vietnam trip itinerary 4 days

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How to Spend 4 Days in Vietnam? Suggested Itineraries

Suggested vietnam itinerary 4 days over famous tourist destinations from north to south..

• Updated: November 23, 2023 Alice Pham in Vietnam Itineraries , Beautiful Vietnam , Best of Vietnam , Vietnam Travel Tips 2 comments.

Our following article offers several incredible itineraries corresponding to the most famous tourist destinations of Vietnam. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the details!

Best Time for 4 Days in Vietnam

• Discover the Hidden Treasures of Buon Ma Thuot 4 Days
• Honeymoon Excursion in Northern Vietnam 4 Days
• La Siesta Superyacht 4 days 3 nights
• North Vietnam 4 Days Excursion
• Trekking Pu Luong Nature Reserve 4 Days

Vietnam Weather

Vietnam is a tropical-climate country with more than 1,000 miles (1,600 km) in length, causing the weather to vary significantly from North to South. Although this country is generally a year-round tourist destination, it is best to visit Vietnam in Spring, from March to April. During this time, the weather is pleasant with moderate temperatures and light rainfall. Other times of the year may witness heavy rain and occasional flooding in some regions, which is not good for tourist activities.

>>> See the detailed Vietnam weather and the best time to visit the country here . 

Best Places to Visit During Vietnam Itinerary 4 Days

In northern vietnam.

A corner of Hanoi Old Quater

Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi , is a must-visit destination with bustling markets where tourists can enjoy both the ancient and lively atmosphere. Historical and cultural lovers of the city can explore the most picturesque sites, such as the Grand Opera House and the Presidential Palace. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi Old Quarter, etc. are also must-see destinations in Hanoi.

Wandering along Hanoi Old Quarter’s streets in the early morning, sampling a bowl of “Pho” and watching the local people’s daily activities will be an unforgettable experience for any visitors.

Ha Long Bay

One of Vietnam’s most popular tourist attractions is Halong Bay, where the combination of karst limestone peaks and calm, shimmering seas creates a stunning landscape. With over 2000 islands in the area, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views throughout. To fully experience this World Heritage wonder, it is highly recommended to book an overnight cruise and allow time for personal moments. Watching the ethereal misty dawn or kayaking into grottoes and lagoons are excellent options. For those looking for a less crowded karst landscape, Lan Ha Bay to the south or Bai Tu Long to the north are equally spectacular alternatives.

Located in the Lao Cai province, Sapa is a quaint mountain town with a peaceful atmosphere, free from the noise of bustling cities. The town is home to a variety of tribal groups, making it a fascinating cultural destination. Adventure enthusiasts will find plenty to do here, as Sapa offers various exciting activities. Fan Si Pan, Vietnam’s highest mountain, is only 19 km from the town. However, the climb is not for the faint-hearted, as the unpredictable weather and rough terrain make it challenging for novice climbers. Additionally, visitors can indulge in some of the finest restaurants in Sapa and explore the stunning waterfalls and mountains that will leave them mesmerized.

In Central Vietnam

The citadel of the city of Huế

Hue , situated on the banks of the Perfume River, was the monarchical capital of the Nguyen dynasty and is now considered one of the best places to visit for 4 days in Vietnam. The city is rich in history and culture, evident in its grand infrastructure, historic landmarks, and stunning architecture. It has a unique charm that can captivate anyone who visits. Its ancient citadel, palaces, tombs, and temples are fascinating attractions, offering a glimpse into the rich history and culture of Vietnam. The Complex of Hue Monuments , which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-see place for historical lovers in Vietnam where they can explore the ruins of the imperial palace, throne halls, and ancient temples.

Golden Bridge – Danang

Da Nang is a paradise for beach lovers on the central coast of Vietnam. Its long stretches of white-sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters make it a perfect destination for honeymooners , families , and anyone seeking to relax and unwind. But Da Nang is more than just a beach destination. It is also home to several must-see attractions, including the famous Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills, the majestic Marble Mountains, the stunning Son Tra Peninsula, the tranquil Linh Ung Pagoda, and the pristine Non Nuoc Beach and My Khe Beach. These attractions showcase the region’s rich culture and history and offer visitors unique experiences.

Mud bath in Nha Trang

Nha Trang is a picturesque coastal city that has been gaining popularity among tourists in recent years. Known for its warm tropical climate and extensive coastline, it offers visitors a plethora of breathtaking beaches with pristine white sand and turquoise waters. The city’s most famous beach, Nha Trang Beach, is a hub of activities, such as beach volleyball, water sports, and vibrant nightlife.

For marine enthusiasts spending 4 days in Vietnam, the National Oceanographic Museum is a must-see attraction that offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s marine life history. If you’re seeking a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Hon Tre Island is the perfect getaway. Accessible by a cable car ride, the island features tranquil turquoise waters, pristine white sand, and lush green forests that provide a serene environment for relaxation. Your trip to Nha Trang would not be complete without indulging in the famous traditional wellness treatment of mineral mud bathing. The Thap Ba Mud Bath, 100 Egg Mud Bath, and I-Resort are some of the popular destinations where you can pamper yourself with the therapeutic benefits of mineral mud.

Da Lat is a popular destination for tourists due to its pleasantly cool climate, which can be enjoyed all year round. The region boasts a low humidity level, which allows for a refreshing breeze to blow through the area. The picturesque scenery of the valley, with its alluring pine trees and beautiful flowers, makes it a perfect getaway spot. In fact, Dalat was once the summer residence of Vietnamese emperors, who were drawn to its serene and tranquil atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy strolling along the streets in the cool weather, admiring the stunning sunsets, and soaking up the charming atmosphere of the city. For those seeking a break from the heat and humidity, Dalat is also an ideal destination.

In Southern Vietnam

The bustling and vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh is also a worthwhile destination during a Vietnam itinerary. With a blend of traditional heritage and modern development, it’s easy to get swept up in the fast pace and feel overwhelmed by the surroundings. While crossing the street for the first time in Ho Chi Minh City can be daunting, the city’s energy draws you in and beckons you to explore. Despite its frenetic pace, Ho Chi Minh City offers a wealth of historical and cultural attractions to discover, from the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral and the Reunification Palace to the War Remnants Museum and the bustling Ben Thanh Market.

Once known as Saigon, the city served as the capital of South Vietnam and the seat of the government until the end of the Vietnam War. Even today, as you venture further into southern Vietnam, you’ll hear it still referred to by its former name.

Mekong Delta

Fruit orchard in Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta is a true masterpiece of nature and culture. The region is renowned for its vibrant, multicolored, and picturesque floating markets, where locals trade their goods on boats. The traditional architecture of the houses, with their unique designs and the river flowing between them, creates a charming and peaceful atmosphere.

Vietnam offers a variety of breathtaking destinations, but the Mekong Delta should not be missed, especially for nature lovers. The tranquil villages, fish farms, and stunning flower gardens make this place a paradise on Earth. If you are planning to spend 4 days in Vietnam, make sure to add the Mekong Delta to your itinerary.

Phu Quoc Island

Phu Quoc is a stunningly beautiful island with pristine beaches that are quickly becoming the resort capital of the country. The island’s beaches are a must-visit attraction. Long Beach, which is located near the town center and has many accommodation options, is the most popular. Sao Beach is also a popular choice, but it can get very crowded. For a quieter and more secluded beach experience, Cua Can and Vang Bau are great options.

Rach Vem, also known as Starfish Beach, is another beautiful beach on the island. The sand is covered in starfish at low tide, making for a unique and memorable experience. Visitors can also take a boat trip to the An Thoi Marine Archipelago, a series of islands that form a marine reserve and offer great snorkeling opportunities with clear waters.

>>> Read more: Top 10 Most Popular Tourist Destinations in Vietnam for 2023/2024

Suggested 4 Days in Vietnam Itineraries

As recommended above, 4 days in Vietnam is not enough to travel throughout the country. Instead, you had better visit just one destination or a region. Most visitors spend their Vietnam itinerary 4 days visiting Hanoi and nearby tourist spots, such as Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, Moc Chau, Mai Chau, etc.

Itinerary 1: North Vietnam 4 Days Excursion

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi and explore the stunning night market. Day 2: Leave Hanoi for Hoa Lu and Tam Coc in Ninh Binh province. Day 3: Transfer to Ha Long, embark on a night cruise, and start its 2-day itinerary. Day 4: Disembark the cruise and return to Hanoi.

>>> See the detailed program here .

Itinerary 2: Pu Luong Nature Reserve Trekking Tour 4 Days

Pu Luong Nature Reserve

Day 1: Depart for Mai Chau from Hanoi, visit Poom Coong village on the way. Arrive at Pu Luong Nature Reserve in the afternoon. Day 2: Visit Muong Kho Village, Pu Luong Eco Garden, and the local market. Day 3: Hike Pu Luong and discover local people’s life. Day 4: Return to Hanoi, and visit Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant on the way.

>>> Interested in this tour program, you can check it out at Pu Luong Nature Reserve Trekking Tour 4 Days .

Itinerary 3: Ha Long Bay Cruise 4 Days/3 Nights

Day 1: Leave Hanoi for Ha Long Bay, embark on the cruise, and visit Cua Van Fishing Village and Sang Toi Cave. Day 2: Visit Bai Tu Long Bay, Vung Vieng floating village, and Thien Canh Son Cave. Day 3: Transfer to Cat Ba Island, free time to relax on the beach. Day 4: Visit Sung Sot Cave and return to Hanoi.

>>> Enjoy a luxurious experience in Ha Long Bay – a UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vietnam with our La Siesta Superyacht cruise 4-day itinerary .

Itinerary 4: Buon Ma Thuot 4 Days

Buon Ma Thuot 4 days

Day 1: Arrive in Buon Ma Thuot, and visit the Dak Lak Museum of Ethnology and The World Coffee Museum. Day 2: Head to Lak Lake and visit the Palace of Bao Dai King. Day 3: Leave for Buon Ma Thuot, explore Dray Nur Waterfall, Ban Don Suspension Bridge, and Akothon Village. Day 4: Departure.

>>> Explore the hidden treasures of Buon Ma Thuot with our 4-day tour .

Itinerary 5: Nha Trang 4 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Nha Trang, check-in at the hotel, and relax. Day 2: Nha Trang City Tour, visit Vietnam Oceanographic Institute, Long Son Pagoda, Stone Church, etc. Day 3: Enjoy an island tour through Tri Nguyen Aquarium, Mot Island, Tranh Beach Island, etc. Day 4: Departure.

>>> Read the detailed itinerary at this link .

Move further to the South of Vietnam, home to Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta, and Phu Quoc Island. All are perfect destinations for 4 days itinerary in Vietnam. If time permits, don’t hesitate to extend your trip a bit longer with 5 days motorbike tour in Southern Vietnam or Saigon – Mekong Delta Tour 5 Days .

What to Eat in 4 Days in Vietnam

1. pho – must eat during a vietnam tour package.

Pho (Phở) is a classic Vietnamese dish that features rice noodles as its main ingredient. The name “phở” actually refers to the type of noodle used in the recipe. The dish typically consists of flat rice noodles served in a beef or chicken broth with thinly sliced medium-rare beef or boiled chicken. There are two main types of phở: phở Hanoi, which originated in the north and has a clear broth, and phở Nam, which is popular in the south and features a murkier broth and fresh herb garnishes such as bean sprouts, basil, and mint.

The key to a delicious bowl of phở is the broth, which is typically flavored with fragrant spices like star anise, clove, and cinnamon for a touch of natural sweetness. Interestingly, phở is often consumed as a breakfast dish in Vietnam and can be found on street corners throughout the country. Don’t forget to try it during 4 days in Vietnam.

Banh mi -street food loved by every Vietnamese

Banh Mi, a Vietnamese sandwich, may have been influenced by the French baguette, but it has become a distinct Vietnamese creation. The soft and chewy baguette is slathered with pâté and margarine, then stuffed with an assortment of ingredients including pickled vegetables, fresh cilantro, pork belly, pork floss, and cucumber. As you bite into the crunchy exterior, your teeth sink into the various textures and flavors that meld together in a delightful explosion of taste.

3. Bun Bo Hue (Hue Beef Noodles)

Bun bo Hue (rice noodle soup with beef)

Bun Bo Hue, a dish representing the renowned royal cuisine of Hue, is a perfect combination of both beauty and taste and a must-eat dish during your Vietnam itinerary 4 days. The bright red color of the broth is the first hint of its bold flavor, which is the result of beef bones and lemongrass simmered for hours to create a citrusy broth. Along with tender beef shanks, flash-boiled vegetables give this dish a vibrant touch.

4. Mi Quang (Quang Noodles)

Quang noodles

Mi Quang is a dish that defies classification, as it is a combination of soup and salad. But make no mistake, this noodle dish from Central Vietnam’s Quang Nam province is street food. The vibrant yellow color of the noodles is derived from the turmeric-infused broth, which is made rich in peanut oil. Only a small amount of broth is used to make this “soup,” which can be topped with anything from shrimp and chicken to pork belly and snakehead fish. To enjoy mì quảng, add sliced banana flowers, Vietnamese coriander, basil, and toasted sesame rice crackers.

5. Com Tam (Broken rice)

Broken rice, once considered inferior and consumed by Vietnamese farmers, has now become a staple food for the working class. It has humble origins but can be prepared in various ways. This dish features a caramelized grilled pork chop served with a fried egg on a bed of broken rice, drizzled with a blend of fish sauce, chili, and sugar, and topped with green onion oil. Shredded pickled carrots and daikon, sliced cucumbers and tomatoes, as well as crushed fried pork rinds and shallots, are served on the side for garnish. Your Vietnam itinerary will not be completed if you miss this special dish.

>>> Learn more: Top 30 Popular Vietnamese Dishes: Must-Try Vietnam Foods

Above are some suggested itineraries for 4 days in Vietnam. Despite the short duration, you can still experience the best of the country’s tourism if you plan your trip smartly. No matter how many days in Vietnam you go, the problem is how you prepare for your trip. Still not satisfied with the above-suggested programs, you can check our Vietnam tours for more options or contact us for a private consultation. Our travel experts at IDC Travel are always ready to help.

• 10 Days in Vietnam: Uncover the Secrets of 3 Regions
• Vietnam in Winter: Best Places to Visit & Suggested Itineraries to Embrace the Chill
• 13 Days in Vietnam: How to Plan a Perfect Trip & Suggested Itineraries

FAQ for 4 days in Vietnam

Is a 4-day trip to vietnam enough.

Well, while it’s possible to have a whirlwind adventure in 4 days, the lush landscapes and rich cultural tapestry of Northern Vietnam genuinely deserve more of your time. Ideally, spending at least a week allows you to immerse deeper into its breathtaking nature and diverse cultural attractions. Trust us, North Vietnam has so much to offer that you wouldn’t want to rush it!

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Start planning your tailor-made tour with 1-1 help from our specialists

Hello, I'm Alice Pham - a travel blogger at IDC Travel. I have traveled to almost places in Vietnam and gained numerous useful experiences. I'm here willing to help you plan the most wonderful trip to our stunning S-shaped country.

Comments(2)

I spent 1-week honeymoon holiday in Phu Quoc last year and it was wonderful. People were friendly and the seafood was so fresh. We both want to come back to this pearl island with our kids in the next 3 or 5 years. Kaka.

Hi Josephine, Glad to hear about your wonderful experience in Vietnam. Many more interesting activities are awaiting you and your kids to explore in Vietnam. Hope to see you soon. Thank you so much! Best regards, Alice Pham.

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• 4 Days In Vietnam: What All Places to Add To Your Backpacking Itinerary

23 Mar 2023

Which place pops up in your mind when we talk about the beautiful beaches, the serene river, and the Buddhist Pagodas? It most definitely has to be Vietnam. Vietnam is a Southeast Asian country on the South China sea. Vietnam is one of the 15 most populated countries in the world and the most populated city in Vietnam being Ho Chi Minh City. Here is the list of places that you can discover in order to spend your 4 Days in Vietnam as the best days ever. Sometimes we should just take a break from our regular, boring lifestyle and escape into the beauty of nature, and speaking of beauty, We bet you can not find a place as beautiful as Vietnam. You can simply escape into nature with your favorite book or walk down the streets keenly observing the beauty of the place, the choice is completely yours. Providing a large variety of options to its visitors Vietnam has been a dream destination for all sorts of travelers be it an Adventure freak, a nature lover or a party person.

Places To Visit In 4 Days In Vietnam

If you want to enjoy the full bloom in the countryside around Hanoi during the Spring season which is from the months of March to May. The spellbinding beauty and the area appear more alluring during the Spring season. You can also visit Vietnam during the months of September to November when the scorching heat of the sun disappears and Winter starts downpouring. Make sure you do mark your calendars before planning a trip to Vietnam. Scroll through and read about all the places that you can visit for 4 days in Vietnam.

1. Mekong Delta

Image Source

Mekong Delta is nothing less than an art. The markets are multicolored and floating markets. The tiny houses and the water flowing in between the two houses facing each other, Imagine how exciting it would be to spend the best days of your life in Vietnam. The quaint villages, the fish farms and the land covered with flower cultivation is nothing less than a paradise for nature lovers. Make sure that you do not miss this amazing place if you are having a 4 days Vietnam tour.

Must Read: Ho Chi Minh Shopping: 10 Places To Splurge And Shop At This Vietnamese Hub!

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Sapa is a small mountain town in the province of Lao Cai. The muffled town is free from the cacophony of the main area. The town is home to various tribal groups. Adventure lovers can loosen themselves as fun is in the roots of Sapa. Fan Ci Pan is the highest mountain in Vietnam and is just 19 km away from the town although this may seem like a short distance, it is not that easy to climb up there due to the weather which can not be predicted and the rough surface which is not suitable for a novice person to climb. You can also suffice your taste buds by feeding in some of the finest restaurants in Sapa. The beautiful waterfalls, the ethnicity of the town and the beautiful mountains will leave you mesmerized.

Suggested Read: 53 Stunning Places To Visit In Vietnam For A Natural And Historic Retreat

Regarded as the monarchical capital of the Nguyen dynasty, it is situated on the banks of Perfume River. It is regarded as one of the best places to visit in Vietnam and we can not question why. The great infrastructure, the rich culture, and epic cuisine make helps in attracting tourists from different parts of the world. The central Vietnamese cuisine will make you crave for it.

Suggested Read: Phu Quoc Island: 5 Best Places To Add Some Bliss To Your Vietnamese Holiday

Walking down the time lane, Hoi An is an old beautiful city which is located on the central coast of Vietnam. The tapering lanes of the ancient town are lined with spellbinding architecture. You can spend some time walking down the lane to experience complete peace and solitude. The town’s architecture, textile, and traditional culture make it a great place that attracts visitors. If you are interested in exploring the old yet beautiful buildings or splurge on shopping, you may be able to find alluring souvenirs from this place. Hoi An is one of the best places to visit in Vietnam for 4 days.

Suggested Read: Vietnamese Street Foods: A Guide To Some Scrumptious Dishes To Try

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and of the best places to visit. Visitors can cross the busy markets full of cacophony from the people who are excited to shop. You can also explore some of the most scenic places like the Grand Opera House or the Presidential Palace. There is a museum of Asian and French colonial architecture showing the rich history that has remained intact from that time till now. The capital of Vietnam worth a visit if you are overstaying 4 days in Vietnam.

Suggested Read: 8 Romantic Places In Vietnam To Rediscover Love And Refresh Memories

6. Ha Long Bay

From the small clumps of rocks popping out of aqua-green water to being surrounded by mountain-like giant rocks, Ha Long Bay is a must visited place if you want to give some time to yourself sinking into the beauty of nature. You can take a boat ride for an hour to gather yourself and get amazed by the true beauty of nature. Ha Long Bay is voted as one of the best places to visit.

Suggested Read: 10 Things To Do In Nha Trang For An Incredible Vietnamese Vacay

Dalat is very famous amongst tourists for its year-round pleasant weather. The low humidity takes over the area making the cool wind blow. Dalat was a summer getaway for Vietnamese emperors because of its picturesque scenery of the valley, alluring pine trees and beautiful flowers which makes the area even more beautiful. If you are looking to enjoy the walk in the cool weather, watching the sunset on a beautiful street, you can not think of any other option than Dalat.

Further Read: Top 10 Vietnamese Food Items You Are Missing Out On If You Are A Foodie

So if you are wondering what to do in Vietnam for 4 days, we have already listed all the places where you can spend your 4 days in Vietnam. The beautiful country has everything to please your eyes and quench your travel thirst. Pamper yourself and soothe your soul by visiting Vietnam. Make the most out of the trip. Plan a getaway to Vietnam and fly in the beauty of the country. Book your tickets with TravelTriangle for a hassle-free stay in Vietnam.

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The Perfect Vietnam Itinerary | from 4 Days to 1 Month

I’m not the kind of person who will preach to you, that you need to painstakingly plan out every moment of your  Vietnam Tour .

But, – I can tell you from personal experience – that crafting a  rough itinerary  will only heighten your travels through this Southeast Asian country.

When I reflect on my time in Vietnam, I’m flooded with a gushing wave of memories and emotions. The raw kindness of the people, the layers of flavor in the cuisine, and the rich (and sometimes tragic) history all captured me in a rare way.

Vietnam is without a doubt one of the best countries in Southeast Asia. It’s a country that I can’t shake off.

They just don’t make countries like Vietnam anymore.

And this itinerary is perfect whether you are backpacking Vietnam, or traveling in style.

Sold on traveling to Vietnam? Good! Then you’re in the right place! This Vietnam Itinerary takes you on a step-by-step journey around some countries’ biggest highlights.

Weekend Trip to Phu Quoc, Vietnam

Bãi biển mũi né, things to do in nha trang, da lat to hoi an, eat at the central market, travel day from da nang to hanoi, eat your weight in street food, hoan kiem lake.

• HO CHI MINH: DAYS 6 – 7 
• HANOI: DAY 10
• HALONG BAY: DAYS 12 – 14

HOW TO USE THIS VIETNAM ITINERARY

Okay, before we begin our detailed descent into planning, there are two major things you should know!

First is the best way to use this blog post.

Which is however you want!

For our purposes, the itinerary starts in the south and works its way north.

But consider this Vietnam itinerary a set of  LEGOS . Take the blocks you want, toss aside the ones you don’t, and build something uniquely your own!

Planning on spending most of your time in Northern Vietnam?  Well, grab the northern Vietnam itinerary and discard the southern half.

Only have a week to travel to Vietnam?  No problem, mix and match the  places that best serve your travel  goals.

You don’t need to follow in my footsteps exactly. So I encourage you to pick this itinerary apart, devour every morsel, and use my experiences to craft  YOUR trip  to Vietnam!

This Vietnam Travel Itinerary also builds on itself. For example, if you have 6 days in Vietnam, only days 5 and 6 are covered in that section. So you need to go back to reading our 4 days first.

This is to cut down on repeating ourselves repeatedly.

Vietnam is notoriously inexpensive. And so your budget can go a long way. 

Note:  To complete the entire route would take around a month.

VISA FOR VIETNAM

One more important note you should know. Unlike many countries in Southeast Asia, you NEED a visa before arriving in Vietnam.

Most countries do not have VOA (Visa on Arrival).

The safest way to make sure you’re ready is to do a little  research.

GETTING AROUND VIETNAM

Much like  Backpacking in Thailand , Vietnam’s a great country to travel around via bus, or minivan. To be honest, Vietnam has some of the most spacious and comfortable buses I’ve ever seen in Southeast Asia. Some buses even have lay-down seats. Sleeper buses come with their beds. And minivans give you space for an AC.

If you’re a  budget traveler  that likes a little luxury, then the buses in Vietnam are for you! You can use websites like  Bookaway  to get your tickets cheap and early.

For most stops on this itinerary, we will use popular bus routes in Vietnam.

Ultimate Vietnam Itinerary

Vietnam Itinerary 4 Days

If you’re Vietnam Itinerary is only for 4 days, then I highly suggest picking one city. And then just sticking around that area. Because, as an experienced traveler knows, this is not a lot of time. And you don’t want to stretch yourself too thin.

This gives you two major options. You have two major options.

You can visit Hanoi, and maybe even take a day trip to Halong Bay, Vietnam.

But I would suggest Ho Chi Minh in Southern Vietnam. As I find the city more fascinating. And there is more to do in the neighboring areas.

HO CHI MINH

I prefer Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi  (not that Hanoi is bad) .

And there’s another reason I choose it as the starting place for our itinerary through Vietnam. Namely, Ho Chi Minh’s  (Saigon’s)  is a great introduction to the food, culture, and people of Vietnam.

The city’s vibrant, exhilarating, and extremely chaotic. In Saigon, you need to relearn  everyday skills  you take for granted in normal life…  like crossing a street.

Imagine water breaking around a rock in a stream.

Picturing it?  Good, now replace the rock with you and the water with thousands of motorbikes.

Oh, and don’t forget that you’re moving, clutching your fist as you slowly venture to the other side of the street as motorbikes zoom past.

There’s no look left and right before crossing. It is more of a look straight ahead and praying.

Crossing the road in Ho Chi Minh is an adventure unto itself.

And despite the chaos, the city charms you with its genuine people, rooftop bars, charming neighborhoods , and captivating markets.

Looking back at Ho Chi Minh’s history, you’ll find some tragedy.

But you wouldn’t know it from visiting the city.

A blanket of optimism covers Ho Chi Minh’s. Locals are forward-looking and hope for the future.

As a traveler, there’s no shortage of  things to do in Ho Chi Minh .

Here are some of the top sights in the city.

GIAC LAM PAGODA

This pagoda is the oldest temple in the city and dates back almost 300 years.

CU CHI TUNNELS

Perhaps, the most popular site in the area. Cu Chi Tunnel is a series of underground passageways and tunnels that were used during the war. These tunnels stretch for over 30 Kilometres.

PHAM NGU LAO STREET

Perhaps, the most popular site in the area. Cu Chi Tunnels are a series of underground passageways and tunnels that were used during the war.

These tunnels stretch for over 30 Kilometres.

DRINK COFFEE

This might seem like a strange thing to do.

However, Vietnam has the best coffee I’ve ever tasted.  (And I’m a loud and proud coffee addict) . The coffee’s a milkshake.

But, man oh man, every calorie is worth it.

WAR REMNANTS MUSEUM

A museum about the Vietnam War told entirely in photos. This museum’s hard to stomach – especially if you’re an American. But I believe it’s a vital museum to visit.

Ho Chi Minh City Opera House

The Ho Chi Minh City Opera House is an opera house in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It is in Lam Son Square, in the city’s central district.

The opera house, designed by the French architect Gaston E. E. M. H. Lavigerie, was constructed between 1897 and 1899. It is the oldest opera house in Indochina. The opera house was damaged during the Vietnam War but was restored in the 1990s.

The opera house is now used for performances of traditional Vietnamese music and dance.

Independence Palace

The Independence Palace Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in Vietnam’s history. The palace was the home of the president of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War, and today it houses an enormous collection of artifacts from the war.

Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon

Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon is a Roman Catholic cathedral in the downtown area of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The French colonial authorities built the cathedral between 1863 and 1880 and is the largest cathedral in Vietnam. The cathedral is dedicated to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.

REUNIFICATION PALACE

An important building in the country’s history. This is the spot where Ho Chi Minh surrendered in 1975.

BINH TAY MARKET

The most popular day market in the city. Built during the colonial period, there are some great haggling and food stalls to be found here. It’s also indoors for those looking to escape the heat.

NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL OF SAIGON

The actual name is  Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of The Immaculate Conception . Now that is a mouthful, which is why most locals and travelers just refer to it as Saigon’s Notre Dame.

Well, because this church resembles a small Notre Dame, It’s crazy to see a gothic-esque church in the middle of an Asian City.

SAIGON POST OFFICE

Another example of Gothic, Renaissance, and French influence on the country.

Overall, Ho Chi Minh is a friendly and fun introduction to Vietnam. It’s a great base to visit the Mekong Delta, as well as plan your next moves around the country.

And if you’re lucky, like me, you might just fall in love with the city.

You could also space this out to a 5-day itinerary for Vietnam. To have a little more time to relax. Or you could add another fun experience. Like a cooking class.

ben thanh market

The Ben Thanh Market is a market located in the District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The market is one of the largest in the city and sells a variety of goods, including clothing, food, and produce. 

Chau Doc is a town located in the Mekong Delta region of southern Vietnam. It is known for its vibrant culture and as a starting point for trips to the nearby Cambodian border. The town is also home to a large Muslim population, and there are several mosques in the area. 

Vietnam Itinerary 6 Days

This could work for the Vietnam itinerary 7 days as well. After exploring every inch of Ho Chi Minh, we still have a couple of days left. This is when it is perfect for an iconic day trip to explore the countryside of this beautiful country. And what better to see than one of the country’s major attractions?

DAY TRIP TO MEKONG DELTA

Just a few hours away from Ho Chi Minh is the sprawling, massive waterway of the Mekong Delta. It’s a great day trip to build into your Vietnam Itinerary.

You can head there yourself, or you can get this as a Vietnam tour package.

Phu Quoc is an island located in the Gulf of Thailand, off the coast of Vietnam. The island is about 48 kilometers long and has a population of about 100,000 people. Phu Quoc is known for its white sand beaches , coral reefs, and tropical rainforest. 

There are many things to do on Phu Quoc island. Here are some of the most popular activities:

1. Beach Activities: Phu Quoc is well known for its beautiful beaches. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters.

2. Scuba Diving: The island has some of the best diving in Southeast Asia, with plenty of coral reefs and marine life to explore.

3. Fishing: Phu Quoc is a great place to go fishing, with plenty of opportunities to catch a variety of fish.

4. Hiking: The island is home to some beautiful hiking trails, which offer great views of the landscape.

5. Sightseeing: Phu Quoc is home to some interesting historical sites, including the famous prison island of Con Dao. 

Vietnam Itinerary 10 Days

After coming back to Ho Chi Minh from the Mekong Delta, get ready to head to one of the unique destinations in Vietnam.

To be honest, I didn’t know  Mũi Né  existed until an ocean-crazed surfer I was traveling with through Vietnam dragged there me.

And I’m glad he did because this sandy slice of beachfront, known as Mũi Né holds some of my most treasured moments in the entire country.

At first appearance, Mũi Né might trick you into thinking it’s a small beachside town. But don’t be fooled. The biggest draws of the area lie outside the city, away from the beach, and deeper on the mainland. Here you’ll find massive dunes.

As a bonus, there’s also the local fishing village, where locals venture out into the waters in their rustic, handmade boats.

But enough summary, let’s dive deeper into some of the best things to do when visiting Mũi Né.

RED SAND DUNES

When most of us think of sand dunes we picture the deserts of the Shara. And to come clean, I didn’t know that Vietnam had dunes.

The red dunes are closer and are a famous spot for sunsets, and photography.

WHITE SAND DUNES

The white dunes offer a range of adventures from sand buggy riding, to kite flying, to epic sunsets.

MŨI NÉ FISHING VILLAGE

The Local fisherman at Mũi Né harbor head out to the sea on their unstoppable, half coconut shaped, plastic boats. It’s a magnificent spot for epic postcard-worthy photos and watching local fisherman ply their trade. The best time for these epic photos is at sunrise when the locals are heading out, and there are fewer tourists.

The beautiful beach area in Mũi Né. Perfect for a quick dip!

The red and white dunes of Mũi Né are a wonder, and a worthy addition to any Vietnam Itinerary.

And while Mũi Né is close to Ho Chi Minh, it remains off the majority – but not completely of travelers’ itineraries.

But the geological wonders of the dunes and quaint fishing village are enough reasons to venture here for a few days.

This trip can also work if you’re working for 9 days in Vietnam Itinerary.

Vietnam 2-week itinerary

If you are working with a 2 week Vietnam Itinerary, then we are in good shape! Because from Mui Ne we can start working our way to Central Vietnam. But first, we want to take a detour.

Nha Trang is a coastal city in Vietnam known for its beaches and scuba diving.

-Visit the beaches

-Scuba dive

-Explore the city

-Visit the caves

-Take a boat ride

– Explore the Towers and Pagodas

Accommodation: one of the perks of Nha Trang is you can treat yourself a little. There are plenty of accommodation options in Nha Trang, like backpacker hostels. But there are also five-star resorts that won’t break your budget.

You can spend your last few days in Vietnam before grabbing the train back to Ho Chi Minh to fly home. Unless you have more time! If you have a longer Vietnam Itinerary , then let’s head to Central Vietnam , one of my favorite cities in the entire country.

Vietnam Itinerary 3 Weeks

On the morning of day 12, we are going to leave Nha Trang – say goodbye to the coast for a while – and  take the bus  inland to the mountainous area of Đà Lạt. This scenic city lies in the central highlands of Vietnam in the Lâm Đồng Province.

Đà Lạt’s a safe haven from the heat and humidity that envelopes Vietnam during the summer months. And for adventure lovers, Da Lat ticks all the boxes. Jungles, waterfalls, and lipid pools surround the city.

The city is also considered the “honeymoon” destination for Vietnam locals. Making it an ideal stop for more than just adventure lovers.

Here are some of the best things to do in Đà Lạt’s adding to your Vietnam Itinerary.

WATERFALL RAPPELLING

The most popular adventure is spending an afternoon traversing through the jungle and repelling down multiple waterfalls. There are a ton of safe tours in the city to choose from!

CRAZY HOUSE

A wild and wacky cafe that’s a maze of tunnels, hidden passages, and crazy houses. It’s like wandering through a fairy tale.

WHITE WHITE RAFTING

Another sought-after adventure in Da Lat is whitewater rafting. Da Lat started whitewater rafting in Vietnam. And the scenic Don Da River has thrilling class 2 and 3 rapids.

LANG BIAN MOUNTAIN

Head to the top for an all-encompassing panoramic view of Vietnam’s highlands.

ELEPHANT FALLS

Is stunning the right word? Yep! Elephant Fall might be the most beautiful thing you see in Vietnam. It’s a popular spot for photos and couples.

GETTING TO DA LAT

Getting from Mui Ne To Dalat is easy. You can get there by bus for under $10. The ride up into the highlands takes around 4 to 5 hours.

Let’s get ready for our next city. Which might be the most picture-perfect setting in Vietnam. But it is a long journey! That will take up one entire travel day.

Both  Da Lat  and  Hoi An  are unskippable  – in my humble opinion . And both need to be in your Vietnam Itinerary.

Unfortunately, the two cities are far apart. But as we need to head north anyway, the juice is worth the squeeze  – as they say.

You have a couple of options for transportation to get between the two cities.

For budget travelers, you’ll want to leave your last night in Da Lat and head to  Hoi An on a sleeper bus.

These buses take around 15 hours and cost less than $20.

If you’re pressed for time, there’s a chance you might grab a cheap flight between the two cities.

Where Da Lat’s all about wandering out of the city and into nature,  Hoi An’s  all about never learning the downtown. This historic town’s one of the most jaw-dropping cities I’ve visited in Southeast Asia.

The entire ancient city is a UNESCO Site for its French Colonial buildings.

And a pristine example of a colonial trading port. Some of the architecture dates back to the 15 century.

Hoi An is teeming with beautiful architecture, still canals, golden-colored merchant houses, and colorful lanterns.

Hoi An’s one of the  most beautiful cities in the world . It’s a peaceful city to lose yourself in, to picture yourself living there, and never wanting to leave.

Things to do in Hoi An

WANDER THE ANCIENT CITY

As I’ve stated above, the ancient city and canals are the nuggets drawn to the city. You can spend days exploring every nook and cranny.

HAVE A BEACH DAY

Hoi An is near the east sea, which is only a 10-minute drive from the city

GET A TAILORED WARDROBE

So Hoi An also famous for custom clothes. You can get an entirely new, tailor-made wardrobe within a few days, and for a fraction of the cost.

Hoi An’s is also a notable foodie hotspot in Vietnam. You’ll find an array of tropical treats and street food at the central market . Not unlike the  markets in Mexico .

Hoi An sticks out as the most beautiful city I visited in Vietnam. And a city I will return to on every visit to the country!

So you’ve soaked in the culture of Hoi An, and now it’s time to soak in the sun at Da Nang.

Now, don’t worry. You can take a deep breath! Unlike the massive bus day from Da Lat to Hoi An; our next destination is just a short bus ride away. Da Nang’s, another great city, is located an hour north of Hoi An.

Da Nang, while it isn’t as beautiful as Hoi An, has beautiful weather and landscape. Open-hearted locals, and an energetic nightlife. Da Nang has a variety of beaches to choose from as well.

Here are the best things to do in Da Nang.

GO EXPLORING IN THE LANDSCAPE OF YOUR CHOICE

Da Nang offers a variety of landscapes, from a mountain, seas, and rivers. Pick your landscape.

GO TO THE TOP OF MONKEY MOUNTAIN

Monkey Mountain  (Also known as Son Tra Mountain ) treats you to an epic view of the city.

ENJOY THE NIGHTLIFE

Hoi An has decent nightlife. However, there are a lot more options in Da Nang. If you’re hankering for a party, then Da Nang is a great option.

Da Nang has a lot of beaches to choose from. So relax and recharge our travel batteries.

Use at least one day of your time in Da Nang or Hoi An to rest because we have one more big bus ride ahead of us.

If you only have three weeks in Vietnam. Then you will have to head back to catch your flight. From this point, you could either plan on flying out of Vietnam from either Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh.

They are almost equally far apart. You can travel via bus or train. But you are also far enough to find a flight with one of the low-cost airlines or Vietnam airlines.

If you have a 4 Week Vietnam Itinerary, then let’s keep…er, upward.

If you’re looking for an interesting place to visit in Vietnam, consider Ba Na Hill. This attraction is located in the central province of Da Nang and is home to a beautiful garden, a French-style village, and a cable car system that takes visitors up to the summit of Ba Na Hill. From the top, you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding countryside. 

Vietnam Itinerary 1 Month

Ok, this is the longest journey on our Vietnam Itinerary. But if we want to get to some of the best sites in Vietnam, we need to endure it.

The ride from Da Nang to Hanoi takes around 15 -17 hours, so getting a sleeper bus is advised.  Tickets for the bus  are around 18 dollars.

Once again, a flight is another option for about 4 times the price of the bus ticket.

Hanoi is the gateway to two of the most popular places on any Vietnam itinerary; I.E.  Halong Bay and Sapa.

Hanoi itself is a buzzing metropolis of culture, backpackers, and tradition. They steeped the city in over 1,000 years of history, much of which you can still see today in the temples, landscape, and citadels.

You’ll never get bored in the capital of Vietnam. And the city caters to every  type of traveler  from backpackers to luxury travelers.

Top Things to do in Hanoi.

Hanoi old quarter.

The heart of the city is full of history, commerce, and intriguing attractions. There are a handful of temples and pagodas in the area to explore, lots of wonderful restaurants, and dive bars.

IMPERIAL CITADEL OF THANG LONG

The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and graces the top of many people’s lists of things to do in Hanoi.

HANOI OPERA HOUSE

One of the most stunning buildings in the country. Built-in the early 1900s when Vietnam was under French Rule.

WATER PUPPETS

Yes, water puppets are a tourist trap. But worth it. The shows last around 1 hour and cost somewhere around $10.

Hanoi is a great place to get in those last-minute food bucket list items. Cooking classes are another good option.

Of course, street food is a given. Eat your weight in food, because – while we have a few stops left – this is the last, best stop for food.

There’s enough to do in Hanoi to fill an entire trip to Vietnam and deserve an entire blog post to itself.

Here are a few other notable attractions to see in the area:  Hoàn Kiếm Lake, West Lake, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, and One Pillar Pagoda.

If you want to get out of the city and into nature, then head to Sapa. Sapa is one of the best places to visit in Vietnam for scenic views, trekking, and landscape, it is unlike anything else. Even the  best place to visit in Thailand .

The most notable site is Mường Hoa Valley (You’ll see it everywhere on postcards). There’s also Ham Rong Mountain and Sapa Lake.

Sapa’s a perfect couple-day getaway from Hanoi. And a great way to see some of the best beautiful landscapes has to offer.

The best way to  reach Sapa  is with a luxury minivan.

Lao Cai is a province in the far north of Vietnam, bordering China. It is best known as the gateway to Sapa, a popular tourist destination for its stunning mountain scenery. 

Halong Bay is Vietnam’s  premium natural attraction.

Halong Bay is a spectacular garden of islands, jutting rocks, wondrous views, and mammoth caves. The entire area of limestone cliffs and deep caves has been declared a  UNESCO World Heritage Site.  As well as coves like Lan Ha Bay, a beautiful area of Ha long bay.

The best way to see the Bay is one on a couple of day tours. They have many boat tours that range from day trips to multiple-day trips ( I suggest multiple-day trips). You should always plan some day trips, whether it is Vietnam, or the best day trips from Copenhagen. . There are also party boats for backpackers out there. But a Halong bay cruise is a must on any Vietnam trip. 

This is the last stop of our Vietnam Itinerary and a fitting end to our month-long trip to Vietnam. 

There we go! Follow this month-long itinerary for Vietnam and you’ll discover some of the best the country offers. But don’t forget, you can pick this itinerary apart, and use it to piece together your journey.

And there we go! That is the Ultimate Vietnam Itinerary.

But that is not all! If you have less time in Vietnam. And did not love that itinerary. Are wanted to start in the North, instead of the south. Below are some great North Vietnam Itinerary ideas for you. We have not included our Thailand Vietnam Itinerary. Or our itinerary for Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. As those are separate blog posts, coming soon. 

Ninh Binh is a province in North Vietnam that is located south of Hanoi. Ninh Binh is best known for its natural beauty, including limestone karsts, caves, and rivers. 

There is plenty to do in Ninh Binh, including exploring the landscape, riding a bicycle or motorbike around the province, visiting the temples and pagodas, and swimming and fishing in the rivers. 

Tam Coc, also known as “Halong Bay on land”, is a beautiful area located in the Ninh Binh province in Vietnam. Tam Coc is made up of three limestone karsts that jut out of the rice paddies and is surrounded by the Ngo Dong River. The area is a popular tourist destination, and visitors can take a boat trip through the paddies and caves. 

The Trang An Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam. It comprises of six sites: Cuc Phuong National Park, Hoa Lu, Trang An, Tam Coc-Bich Dong, Bich Dong, and Van Long. The Trang An Complex is known for its karst landscape, as well as its historical and cultural significance. 

There is plenty to see and do in Trang An, including:

– Exploring the caves and grottoes

– Cycling or hiking through the countryside

– Visiting the temples and pagodas

– Taking a boat ride on the river

– Enjoying the views from the peaks of the mountains 

Hoan Kiem Lake is a lake in the historical center of Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. The lake is considered to be the spiritual heart of the city and is home to the Ngoc Son Temple. 

SMALLER VIETNAM ITINERARIES

A month is a long time, and I realize that most people won’t travel around Vietnam that long. So I wanted to put together some smaller itineraries for Vietnam.

VIETNAM ITINERARY  7 DAYS

With only seven days to explore Vietnam, your best bet is to start in the north as it puts you near Halong Bay.

HANOI:  DAYS 1 – 3 

In Hanoi spend the first few days fighting off jet lag and seeing the sights.

HALONG BAY:  DAYS 4 – 5 

Take the bus to Halong Bay, and hop on a short two days cruise around Halong Bay, before returning to Hanoi.

HO CHI MINH:  DAYS 6 – 7 

End your time exploring Ho Chi Minh. 7 Days isn’t enough time to  visit the country . However, it is better than not visiting Vietnam at all.

VIETNAM  10-DAY  ITINERARY

Same as in the 7 days Vietnam Itinerary, which starts in the north of Vietnam. As with 10 days, you have enough time to see three of Vietnam’s major attractions.

HANOI:  DAYS 1 – 2

Spend a couple of days exploring the city, but not too much time as we have a lot of ground to cover.

SAPA:  DAYS 3 – 6 

Sapa takes around 8 hours by bus from Hanoi. But the sheer beauty of the landscape is worth it.

Here, spend the next couple of days soaking in the lush landscape.

HALONG BAY:  DAYS 7 – 9 

Remember it will be a decent bus journey from Sapa to Halong Bay, and you might have to travel through Hanoi.

Make the journey, and hop on a relaxing two-day cruise of Halong Bay

HANOI:  DAY 10

Head back to Hanoi for our last day in Vietnam. From here, you can fly somewhere else in Southeast Asia.

2 Week VIETNAM ITINERARY

With two weeks to explore Vietnam, we are going to start in the south and quickly make our way north.

HO CHI MINH:  DAYS 1 – 2

Spend the first three days exploring everything Ho Chi Minh has to offer and acclimating yourself to the culture and climate.

HOI AN:  DAYS 3 – 5

Enjoy days 4 -6 in Hoi An, wander the alleys and small shops, or get some custom clothes made.

Hoi An is far from Ho Chi Minh, so a flight for this leg of your journey might be the best option.

HANOI:  DAYS 6 – 8 

The bus from Hoi An to Hanoi is a massive journey, but luckily you get a sleeper bus that will make the time fly by.

Spend the next few days in Hanoi.

SAPA:  DAY 9 – 11

Grab the bus and head north to Sapa for a few days. Make sure your camera batteries are charged as it’s one of the most photogenic areas of Vietnam.

HALONG BAY: DAYS  12 – 14

Head on a quick trip to Halong Bay before returning to Hanoi and flying out of Vietnam.

And there we go! A ton of different Vietnam itineraries for you to mix and max.

One thing I want to stress is to dive into the country, through yourself into the people, places, and culture.

Do that and regardless of your  Vietnam Itinerary,  you’ll have an amazing trip to this wonderful country in Southeast Asia.

Vietnam Itinerary November

If you are traveling in the winter months like November. The weather is warm. But it is not the ideal temperature for a beach vacation . So here is a winter Vietnam Itinerary that does not include too many beaches.

• Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi
• Day 2: Hanoi City Tour
• Day 3: Hanoi to Halong Bay
• Day 4: Halong Bay
• Day 5: Halong Bay to Hanoi
• Day 6: Hanoi to Hue
• Day 7: Hue City Tour
• Day 8: Hue to Hoi An
• Day 9: Hoi An
• Day 10: Hoi An to Da Nang
• Day 11: Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City
• Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City Tour
• Day 13: Mekong Delta Tour
• Day 14: Depart Ho Chi Minh City

Optional Stops for Your Vietnam Itinerary

Phong nha-kẻ bàng national park.

Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park is a national park in Vietnam. It was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003 for its geological values. The park is located in the Quảng Bình Province, in the North Central Coast region of Vietnam.

The park has a total area of 857 km², of which 766 km² is forest. The park is divided into two zones, the core zone, and the buffer zone. The core zone has an area of 318 km², and the buffer zone has an area of 448 km².

The park is home to a large number of caves, including the world’s largest cave, Son Doong. 

Phong Nha cave

The best way to experience the beauty of Phong Nha is to explore the caves. There are several caves in the area, but the most popular are Phong Nha and Son Doong.

Phong Nha is the older and smaller of the two, but it is no less impressive. The cave is home to some spectacular stalactites and stalagmites, as well as underground rivers and lakes.

Son Doong, on the other hand, is the largest cave in the world. It is more than 5.5 miles long, has a height of more than 650 feet, and a width of more than 490 feet. The cave is also home to some impressive formations, including a jungle inside the cave and a river that runs through it. 

How did you like our Vietnam Itinerary? It gives you a wealth of options. As well as wiggle room and ideas. My advice is this take these lego pieces. And build your perfect trip to Vietnam.

cham island

Cham Island is an 8-square-kilometer island located 20 kilometers off the coast of central Vietnam. The island is home to a small community of fishermen and their families, as well as some resorts and tourist facilities. Cham Island is known for its beautiful white-sand beaches, like the white sand you see across the world on some of the best beaches in Rhode Island . Charm Island is also known for its coral reefs, and marine life. 

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How to spend 4 days in Vietnam?

• Updated: December 10, 2022 Tommy Ngo Vietnam Travel plans - Tour itinerary ideas 5 comments.

How to spend 3 or 4 days in Vietnam? Would you like another itinerary or suggestion? Please let us know or  customize your Vietnam trip or check out our Vietnam tours .

3 or 4 days in Hanoi and Northern Vietnam:

Hanoi City of course is normally the landing port and is one of the most famous travel destinations in Vietnam. Travelers can spend few hours or a day to explore the city and/ or visit nearby villages: Bat Trang Ceramic Village (15KM from Hanoi downtown), Van Phuc Silk Village (15KM from Hanoi downtown), Duong Lam Ancient Village (60KM from Hanoi downtown). We have some options for Hanoi City tours

Halong Bay , which is 180 KM from Hanoi City, is a place travelers should not miss when they have time in Northern Vietnam. There are some options to visit the Bay: 1 day with 4 or 5 hours cruising on a daily boat trip or 2 days with 1 night on boat.

Ninh Binh , 100 KM from Hanoi City, is famous with many attractions: Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel, Tam Coc or Three Grottos, Trang An Landscape Complex, Van Long Lagoon, Bai Dinh – largest pagoda in Southeast Asia… Travelers can spend 1 day to visit this destination

Mai Chau , 170 KM from Hanoi, is recently one of the good choices and can visit in 1 or 2 days. With 2 days, travelers can visit nearby highland area Moc Chau as well.

Sapa town , 350 KM from Hanoi, is also a good option but it takes almost all 3 days to visit the place from Hanoi. A new highway is recently opened and you can visit this highland town in 2 days by car or bus beside the classic 3 nights/ 2 days by night trains

Our suggested tour itineraries for Hanoi and Nothern Vietnam in 3 or 4 days:

Itinerary 1: 3 days in hanoi.

Day 1: Hanoi arrival, visit Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi – Halong

Day 3: Halong – Hanoi – Departure

Itinerary 2: 4 days in Hanoi

Day 3: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hanoi

Day 4: Hanoi shopping – Departure

Itinerary 3: 4 days in Hanoi

Day 1: Hanoi arrival, visit Hanoi, night train to Sapa (Night train, which departs around 20.00 PM from Hanoi and arrives in Lao Cai, around 5.00 AM next morning, Lao Cai is 40KM from Sapa)

Day 2: Sapa

Day 3: Sapa – Night train back to Hanoi (Train departs around 20.00 PM from Lao Cai and arrives in Hanoi around 5.00 AM next morning)

Itinerary 4: 4 days in Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi – Mai Chau – Hanoi

Day 3: Hanoi – Halong – Hanoi

3 or 4 days in Danang and Central Vietnam:

Hue or Danang is place travelers normally arrive in the central of Vietnam. Our tour itineraies for central Vietnam shall start from either Hue or Da Nang City

Hue , the most recent ancient citadel of Vietnam is famous with Huong River (Perfume River), the Forbidden City, Mosoleums of Kings. Travelers can spend 1 day to visit the city

Da Nang , 150KM from Hue, is the economic centrer of Central of Vietna, famous with many beautiful beaches, Han River, Ba Na Hills tourism complex.

Hoian , the very famous ancient town. We have some options for Hoian tours

Our suggested tour itineraries in Danang and Central Vietnam area in 3 or 4 days:

Itinerary 1: 3 days from hue.

Day 1: Hue arrival, visit Hue

Day 2: Hue – Da Nang – Hoian

Day 3: Hoian – Da Nang – Departure

Itinerary 2: 4 days from Da Nang

Day 1: Da Nang arrival – Hoian

Day 2: Hoian – My Son Holly Land (60 KM from Hoian) – Hoian

Day 3: Hoian – Da Nang – Hue

Day 4:Hue city tour – Departure

3 or 4 days in Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon and Southern Vietnam:

Ho Chi Minh City City , former  Saigon is the biggest city, economic center of Vietnam is not only your arrival port but also good place to visit. Saigon the city itseft together with Cu Chi Tunnels , Cao Dai Holly See and many other tourist sightseeings

Mekong delta : You can choose 1 or 2 day tour to the delta from Saigon

Phu Quoc Island , a good place with beaches but seems not suitable for 3 -4 days only in Saigon

Vung Tau : Beach city, 120 KM from Saigon

Muine : Beach city, 230 KM from Saigon

We have some options for Ho Chi Minh City tours

Our suggested itineraries in Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City and Sounthern Vietnam area in 3 or 4 days:

Itinerary 1: 3 days in ho chi minh city.

Day 1: Saigon arrival, city tour

Day 2: Saigon – Cao Dai Holly See – Cu Chi Tunnel – Saigon

Day 3: Saigon shopping – Departue

Itinerary 2: 4 days in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 3: Saigon – Mekong delta – Saigon

Day 4: Saigon shopping – Departue

If you prefer beach relax, you can choose either Vung Tau or Mui Ne

Budgets for 3 – 4 days in Vietnam:

• 3 star hotel without flight: 250 – 350 $US/ person for double/ twin sharing
• 4 star hotel without flight: 400 – 550 $US/ person for double/ twin sharing
• 5 star hotel without flight: 600 – 750 $US/ person for double/ twin sharing

Recommended Vietnam tours in 3 days/ 4 days

• Cuc Phuong National Park – Mai Chau – 3 Days/ 2 Nights.
• Nam Cat Tien National Park – 3 Days/ 2 Nights
• Sapa Adventure – 3 Days/ 4 Nights
• Explore The Highland of Southern Vietnam – 4 Days/ 3 Nights
• Trekking Cat Ba National Park and Lan Ha Bay Kayaking Tour – 4 Days/ 3 Nights
• Danang Beach Break – 4 Days/3 Nights
• Central Vietnam Stopover – 4 Days/ 3 Nights
• Beach and Central Highland of Vietnam Stopover – 4 Days/ 3 Nights
• Southern Vietnam Experience – 4 Days/ 3 Nights

What would you do if you had only 4 days in Vietnam? Let us know your opinions on the comment box below and we can discuss what you can try on a 4-day trip to our country!

Start planning your tailor-made Vietnam tour by contacting one of our specialists…

Comments(5)

Hi, we would like to know more about south Vietnam tour.

Thank you for your comment. You can take a look at some of our Southern tours: https://www.vietnamparadisetravel.com/south-vietnam-tours .

Also, could you please share with us more details about your upcoming trip so that we can better customize your Vietnam tour, for example, how many people you will travel with, how many days you will stay in Vietnam, any dietary requirements and so on?

Regards, Chi

Would like to have a 3 night 4 day Saigon/ South Vietnam tour in May. Start point New Delhi end and fly to Penang Malaysia after Vietnam. Please send best suggestion including flights to and from Saigon

What is normal weather in second half of May like ?

Thank you for your comment. Our sales department will contact you shortly regarding the Central and Northern Vietnam tour itinerary in May.

In the middle of May, it will be a little bit hotter than March and April, but there is no hint of rains, thus, you can enjoy many interesting activities in our country. You can find out more about Vietnam weather here: https://www.vietnamparadisetravel.com/travel-guide/vietnam/seasons .

Best regards, Chi

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Vietnam The perfect 4 days itinerary

Vietnam, a Southeast Asian country known for its bustling cities, Buddhist pagodas, and beautiful landscapes, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From the chaotic highland markets to the tranquil Mekong Delta , the country is full of surprises. This 4-day itinerary will take you through some of the most iconic sights of Vietnam, including Hanoi, Halong Bay , and Ho Chi Minh City .

What to do in Vietnam?

This 4 days itinerary is the perfect guide to the best things to see in Vietnam. It includes day-by-day activities, travel tips, and the top places to visit.

Day 1: Discover the Charm of Hanoi

Start your day with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum , an important historical attraction of Hanoi, known for honoring the national hero: President Ho Chi Minh. From there, walk to the Presidential Palace and One Pillar Pagoda , a unique Buddhist temple.

Visit the Temple of Literature , the first university of Vietnam. Then, explore the Old Quarter of Hanoi by foot, known for its '36 streets of 36 wares'. Here, you can shop for local handicrafts and try some delicious street food.

Enjoy a traditional Water Puppet Show, a unique Vietnamese art form hailing from Southeast Asia’s wet-rice culture.

Day 2: Experience the Natural Beauty of Halong Bay

Morning to Evening

Take a day trip to Halong Bay , a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands topped by rainforests. Enjoy a boat cruise, explore the caves, and have a seafood lunch on the boat. You can also try kayaking or simply relax on the boat and soak in the stunning beauty of the bay.

Day 3: Explore the Vibrant Ho Chi Minh City

Visit the War Remnants Museum , which gives you a poignant display of the futility of war. Close to the museum is the Reunification Palace , a landmark in Ho Chi Minh City .

Visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon , a cathedral established by French colonists. Right across the street from the cathedral is the Saigon Central Post Office , a beautifully preserved remnant of French colonial times.

Stroll along the Nguyen Hue Walking Street , a broad walking promenade in downtown Ho Chi Minh City . The street is known for its beautiful lighting, water fountains, and book street.

Day 4: A Day in the Mekong Delta

Morning to Afternoon

Take a day trip to the Mekong Delta , often referred to as the 'rice bowl of Vietnam'. Enjoy a boat ride through the narrow canals of the Mekong, visit a local fruit orchard, and enjoy a traditional music performance.

Return to Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy your last night in Vietnam. You can explore the local night markets or try some local cuisine.

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Vietnam 4-day Itinerary: Options, Trip Insights & Tips

4-day timeframe is a common duration for a vacation. So, what's it like to spend that time traveling abroad, particularly Vietnam? You can explore a wealth of information and valuable suggestions about the Vietnam 4-day itinerary in my blog right here.

Where and what to do in Vietnam for 4 days?

To begin with, you may consider whether it is reasonable and worthwhile to spend a 4-day trip to Vietnam. My answer to you is yes. While 4 days might seem brief, the good news is that with a smart sequence of travel destinations, you can fully uncover the iconic and distinctive features of Vietnam.

Vietnam features prominent tourist centers across its three regions: North, Central, and South. Depending on flight costs or your interests, you might want to explore:

What to see in Vietnam for 4 days

Northern route: It boasts the capital city Hanoi, along with breathtaking natural landscapes of mountains and rivers, coupled with intriguing traditional culture. 

Notable travel destinations: Hanoi, Halong Bay (UNESCO site), Ninh Binh (UNESCO site), Mai Chau, Sapa.

Best things to do: Explore city landmarks and indulge in outdoor activities such as cycling, boating, and cruising.

Central route: The central region boasts stunning azure sunny beaches, a vibrant cityscape with lively colors, and serene fishing villages and countryside. 

Notable travel destinations: Da Nang, Hue (UNESCO site), Hoi An (UNESCO site), Quang Binh (UNESCO site), Nha Trang.

Best things to do: Soak up in the sun-kissed beaches, visit the enchanting Ba Na Hills, explore city attractions, and immerse yourself in the activities of rustic villages. 

Add Hoi An to your Vietnam 4-day itinerary!

Southern route: The lively southern hub is filled with historical landmarks, bustling trading centers, and a river-centric lifestyle ingrained in the local culture.

Notable travel destinations: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Cu Chi, Mekong Delta.

Best things to do: Tour the city, explore war history sites, cruise to island villages by boat, and soak in the authentic riverside living experience.

Furthermore, the budget for traveling in Vietnam is quite reasonable for international visitors. You will likely spend around 20 - 60 USD per day, accommodating from budget-friendly to more comfortable options. I will provide more detailed insights later.

Suggested Itineraries

In this section, I'll guide you through specific itineraries for each day by highlighting travel routes that are both convenient and ideal for a Vietnam 4-day trip.

Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Halong Bay 

Get ready to delve into the hustle cultural vibes of Hanoi, the serene landscapes of Ninh Binh's delta, and the breathtaking coastal scenery of Halong Bay:

4-day trip to Vietnam Northern

Day 1: Hanoi

Noi Bai Arrival

Transfer to Hotel and check-in

Afternoon: City tour, cyclo ride, street food tour

Night: Water puppet performance, shopping, Ta Hien beer street

Day 2: Ninh Binh

Transfer Hanoi - Ninh Binh

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Tam Coc or Trang An boat ride

Mua Cave hiking and cycling around the fields

Back to Hanoi

Day 3 - 4: Halong Bay

Transfer Hanoi - Halong Bay

Get on board and follow a 2 days 1-night cruise itinerary customized to each cruise. Normally it includes visits to caves, islands, fishing villages, kayaks, meals, and other cruise amenities.

Day 4: Hanoi Departure

Transfer Halong Bay - Hanoi

Noi Bai International Airport Departure

Da Nang  - Hoi An - Hue

The Central region’s sun-drenched landscapes offer diverse vibes: Da Nang pulsates with energy, Hue exudes serene sophistication, and Hoi An captivates with its timeless and vivid character.

Vietnam 4 days 3 nights itinerary in Central

Day 1: Da Nang - Hoi An

Da Nang Arrival

Hotel Check in

Afternoon: Son Tra Peninsula, My Khe Beach

Hoi An ancient town

Day 2: Ba Na Hills - Golden Bridge - Fantasy Park

Day 3: Da Nang - Hue - Da Nang

Thien Mu Pagoda

Hue Imperial Citadel

Khai Dinh Tomb

Back to Da Nang

Day 4: Da Nang departure

Morning: Free time to visit and shopping in the city

Da Nang departure

HCM - Cu Chi - Mekong Delta

The southern route is equally fascinating. It features a historic city and an intriguing journey through the countryside by boat.

Vietnam 4 day itinerary to Southern

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh

City Arrival

Hotel check in

Afternoon: City tour, street food tour

Night: Cruising in Saigon river

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels

Morning: Cu Chi Tunnels tour

Back to city

Afternoon: Thien Hau Pagoda, Ben Thanh Market

Day 3: Ho Chi Minh - My Tho

Vinh Trang Pagoda

Coconut Island: Cycling, visiting farms and gardens

Sampan boat ride

Day 4: Ho Chi Minh Departure

Free time, shopping

Saigon Departure

Tips for Vietnam 4 days trip

Quick tips to plan your Vietnam trip

For the best travel experience in Vietnam, you can consider your Vietnam 4 days trip from September to April. If you plan to visit the Central region, it should be between February and September.

Don’t forget the basics for your Vietnam adventure—sun protection, insect repellent, and light, season-appropriate clothing will keep you comfortable and prepared.

Budget for visiting Vietnam in 4 days: I’ve put together a quick reference table for you to estimate costs. Typically, a 4-day trip to Vietnam might range from 450 to 600 USD, depending on your spending preferences.

Vietnam in 4 days - Delve into exotic Southeast Asia adventure

To gain more insights, navigate to our post about Vietnam travel guide !

Considering the highlights I’ve shared, does the proposed Vietnam 4-day itinerary seem approachable, fantastic, and worthwhile to you? Feel free to drop a message for New Asia Tours if you require any guidance or assistance with Vietnam tours !

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Da Nang to Hue: Best Ways to Travel & FAQs

10 Things To Do in Hoi An Vietnam: Checklist and Tips

Mua Cave Ninh Binh: A Complete Guide to Explore

Is Mekong Delta worth visiting? The Untold Beauty Spot

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The Perfect Vietnam Itinerary for 1, 2, or 3 Weeks

• Last Updated: January 25, 2024

If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam for 1, 2, or 3 weeks then you must start with this post to help plan your Vietnam itinerary. 

Vietnam has something for everyone. It’s bursting with history, delicious foods, hiking opportunities, beautiful landscapes, beaches, and of course the wonderful Vietnamese people.  

Our Vietnam itinerary guide will give you an overview of the country, with some great itinerary options depending on how long you plan to visit. 

We have something for everyone with:

• 10 days in Vietnam: Highlights Itinerary – These are the must-see places in Vietnam
• 1 week in Vietnam focusing on the North
• 1 week in Vietnam focusing on the South
• 2 weeks in Vietnam, by combining the two above
• 3 weeks in Vietnam, or longer, by adding our extended options to your itinerary.

READ MORE: Don’t miss our complete guide to travelling in Vietnam !

Table of Contents

Day 1 – Hanoi 

Day 2 and 3 – halong bay, day 4 and 5 – sapa , day 6 and 7 – hue , day 8 – hoi an, day 9 and 10 – explore saigon, and take a full or half-day tour to the cu chi tunnels or the mekong delta, tour options, da nang , day 2 and 3 – ha long bay, day 4 and 5 – sapa, day 6  – hue, day 7 – hoi an, ninh binh (near hanoi), phong nha – ke bang national park (near hue), my son (near hoi an), ba be national park (near sapa), bach ma national park (between dan nang and hue), dong ha – for dmz tour (between dong hoi and da nang), day 1 – nha trang , day 2 – dalat , day 3 – mui ne , day 4 and 5 – ho chi minh city, day 6 and 7 – phu quoc island, cu chi tunnels or the mekong delta , con dao island, cat tien national park, did you find my vietnam itinerary helpful, 1, 2, and 3-week vietnam itinerary options .

We broke this Vietnam Itinerary into three main sections. 

Simply decide how long you have, and use one of our itineraries to guide you to the top things to do in Vietnam!

10 Days in Vietnam Itinerary: Vietnam Highlights

Our 10 days in Vietnam itinerary will highlight the absolute best of North and South Vietnam – from hiking in Sapa , to sinking beer in lively Ho Chi Minh City (more commonly referred to by its former name, Saigon).

This can be the core of a longer 2 or 3-week journey by adding extension opportunities to it.

You can do this trip from North to South, or in reverse.

After flying into Hanoi, you’ll have one day to see this beautiful city, so get ready to hit the ground running. 

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and is full of beautiful architecture, culture, and unique food.  The old city is surrounded by remnants of fortified walls, and most things you will want to visit are in the Old Quarter. 

I would suggest finding a walking tour, so you can learn about the city’s history as you explore the city.

Take a stroll around the Hoàn Kiếm Lake and visit the Temple of the Jade Moutain, and stop to help the locals practice their English. 

Try the local beer called Bia hơi or fresh beer, which is brewed fresh each morning, and doesn’t contain any preservatives. 

One of the best things to do in Hanoi is to have an egg coffee while sitting at a café in Hanoi’s Train Street. 

Then get ready to get out of the way when the train rattles past, so close to you that it takes your breath away!

For dinner, don’t forget to have a regional specialty, called Bun Cha. It’s found all through the old quarter, so you won’t have to go far to find it. 

Where to stay in Hanoi: We recommend staying right in the Old Quarter.

READ MORE: Learn more about what to do in Hanoi with our Hanoi city guide .

Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site , and is one of the most popular things to see in Vietnam.  

The stunning bay is full of thousands of limestone islands, pristine beaches, caves, and floating villages.  The Vietnamese call it The Bay of the Descending Dragons. 

One of the best ways to visit the islands is by boat. 

You can take one of the many cruises on offer from the tour operators in town, taking you from Hanoi to Halong Bay, spending a night onboard a boat, and returning you to Hanoi the following day. 

Alternatively, make your own way to Halong Bay, and arrange a boat from there. 

Halong Bay cruise options vary depending on your budget.

The cruises normally include kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, swimming, visiting floating villages, and exploring caves.

If you find the Halong Bay cruises a little out of your budget, check out this guide to Halong Bay on a budget . 

Where to stay in Ha Long Bay: Spend the first night at Halong bay, preferably on board a junk boat.  Alternatively, spend the night on Cat Ba Island . Return to Hanoi, and spend the second night there, ready to head to Sapa in the morning.

After a restful night in Hanoi after your cruise, and having enjoyed some more Bun Cha and fresh beer, it’s time to get on a bus from Hanoi to Sapa.

You can also travel by train if you prefer, but buses are the fastest and the best way to get to Sapa from Hanoi. 

Alternatively, you can hire a private car, which will get you there faster, but at considerably more expensive.

Sapa is a region in Vietnam’s northwest and is home to beautiful terraced rice fields, great trekking, and exquisite vistas. 

Sapa has some of the best trekking in Vietnam . 

You can navigate some of these hikes yourself, arrange a private guide, or organize one of the many tours, either from Hanoi or in Sapa itself. 

The most popular attraction in Sapa is the highest mountain in the region, Fan Si Pan .

But unless you take the cable car to the top, you’ll need more time in the area for this hike. 

Some of the shorter day hikes are Cat Cat, and Tả Phìn , which can be done with or without a guide.

Where to stay in Sapa: Spend two nights in Sapa.  Consider a mountain lodge for the true Sapa experience, and then hop on the bus back to Hanoi early the following day.  Then fly from Hanoi to Hue. If you would prefer not to fly, you can take an overnight train or bus from Hanoi to Hue instead, arriving in the morning of Day 7.

Hue is the old Imperial City, and is where the Nguyen Dynasty held the throne for 143 years. 

The last Emperor, Bao Dai, abdicated his throne and power passed to Ho Chi Minh.

During the American War, the North Vietnamese Army captured Hue as part of the Tet Offensive. 

Thus began a battle to regain the Imperial city by the South Vietnamese and the Americans, which lasted almost a month with thousands dead, and the city was mostly destroyed. 

After spending the previous night in Hue, or arriving in the morning by bus or train, visit the Old City with its pavilions, beautiful temples, and the Royal Palace , all protected by high walls, exquisite gates, and moats. 

Hue is also known for the tombs of the Ancient Emperors.  They are all intricate and beautiful.

But don’t miss the Tomb of Tu Duc , or a visit to Tu Hieu Pagoda , which dates back to 1843. 

One of the last things to do in Hue is to try the famous Bún Bò Huế , a local noodle dish with beef and chili oil, washed down with fresh beer. 

Where to stay in Hue: Spend another night in Hue, then head off early on Day 8 to Hoi An.  The most spectacular way is on a motorbike tour through the Hai Van Pass.  The operators will take you on the back of a motorbike, and deliver both you and your luggage to your hotel in Hoi An.

Alternatively, you can take a private car or bus.

READ MORE: Learn more about what to do in Hue with our Hue city guide .

Explore the beautiful city, and enjoy some rest and relaxation at the beach, sitting on beach chairs and drinking cold coconuts. 

The old town is simply stunning. As you walk around you’ll pass stores selling little souvenirs,  great restaurants, and lots of clothes.

Hoi An is the place to be if you want to have some clothes made.  Tailors are everywhere, and prices are affordable. 

Make sure to head out into town at night, as the city lights up with hanging lanterns, and comes alive with markets, street food, and people. 

While out and about visit the wooden Japanese Covered Bridge from the 18 th Century, and take a boat ride up the river to get a better view of the lights. 

Use Grab or take a taxi or scooter and head to the beach.  You can sit at one of the many restaurants, use their lounge chairs and stay all afternoon soaking up the sun!

Where to stay in Hoi An: Spend the night in Hoi An, and fly from nearby Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City the next morning.

READ MORE: Add these things to do in Hoi An to your itinerary !

After experiencing incredible Hoi An, it’s time for one last big effort as we reach the home stretch of our 10-day itinerary. 

Our time allows for one of two tour options, or if you have an extra day, both.

Vietnam’s largest city, Ho Chi Minh, is a bustling array of buildings, people, food and scooters! 

Saigon is where a lot of ex-pats live as it offers so much variety and, like New York, the city never sleeps! 

These are your last couple of days in Vietnam, and there is plenty to see.  The Vietnam War Museum, Notre Dame (yes they have one too!), the beautiful Central Post Office, and Independence Palace are all must-see destinations while in HCMC.

One of the things to do in Ho Chi Minh City is to head to Bui Ven Walking Street , where all the action happens. 

After dark, this street is packed with people sitting at small plastic tables and chairs sinking beers, eating street food, and people-watching. 

After a few beers and some food, head back to your hotel and get some rest before your flight home.

READ MORE: Consider these 8 day trips from Ho Chi Minh City .

The Cu Chi Tunnels

Even if you’re not particularly interested in Vietnam’s war history, this is an interesting place to visit. 

There are two different locations, Ben Dinh and Ben Doc . 

Most tour companies usually head to the one closest to the city, Ben Dinh, which is also the largest. 

The Tunnels offer an interesting insight into what it was like for the people fighting in the Vietnam/American War, their living conditions, and how they used the tunnels to hide underground during the day and fight the enemy at night.  

Today you can go into some of the tunnels, which have been widened for westerners to fit in. 

You can only visit the tunnels with a guide, which is provided as part of the entry ticket or part of your tour . 

The Mekong Delta Tour

If small little tunnels aren’t your thing and you would prefer to take a pleasant boat ride down the Mekong river instead, there are half-day tours available from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta. 

Mekong Delta tours usually include exploring small canals by a sampan boat, visiting villages and islands, sampling exotic fruit and touring a coconut candy farm. Yum!

Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City: For your two nights in Saigon, stay in District 1 to be right in the middle of everything, District 3 if you’d like a more relaxed stay that’s still only moments away from the action or District 4 for a real local experience.

Extension Option

If you’re able to extend your tour to 2 weeks in Vietnam, you’ll have more time for these excursions. Any 2 week Vietnam itinerary should include these!

Da Nang has lots to offer .  If you are comfortable on a scooter or motorbike, you can ride from Hue to Da Nang (before going to Hoi An), through the Hai Van Pass . 

This route used to be a little dangerous due to all the cars and trucks using the pass.

But since they have built the new freeway and tunnel there is very little traffic, making it a very enjoyable and incredibly scenic ride.  

The best way to do this is by motorbike tour from Hue, to either Da Nang or to Hoi An, or in reverse. 

Setting out from Da Nang, Ba Na Hills is a scooter ride away.  You may recognize the bridge seemingly held up by two large hands.

Between Da Nang and Hoi An lies Marble Mountain , and to the east of Da Nang there’s a large Buddhist temple complex and pagoda called Chua Linh Ung .

If you have longer in Vietnam and would like to explore more of this beautiful country, combine our North and South options below to create a 2 weeks in Vietnam itinerary. 

2 Week Vietnam Itinerary – 1 Week in the North

Start your 2 weeks in Vietnam in Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city, with beautiful architecture, culture, and food. 

While in Hanoi don’t forget to try egg coffee, fresh beer (Bia hơi), and especially the regional dish of Hanoi, Bun Cha .   (See Above 10-day Vietnam Itinerary)

Where to stay in Hanoi: Spend the night in Hanoi.  We recommend staying right in the Old Quarter.

Ha Long Bay, with its beautiful limestone islands, is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. 

It’s a must-see while in Vietnam, with an overnight boat tour to the islands, and other fun activities like SUPing, kayaking, and exploring caves. 

The easiest way to see Ha Long Bay is to organize a tour from Hanoi . (See Above 10-day Vietnam Itinerary)

Where to stay in Ha Long Bay: Spend the first night at Ha Long Bay, preferably on board a junk boat.  Alternatively, spend the night on Cat Ba Island .  Return to Hanoi, and spend the second night there, ready to head to Sapa in the morning.

Think of beautiful rice terraces set high up in the mountains, trekking, and staying in mountain lodges. 

Sapa is located in the northwest part of the country, and best seen by a two-day tour from Hanoi. (See Above 10-day Vietnam Itinerary)

Where to stay in Sapa: Spend two nights in Sapa.  Consider a mountain lodge for the true Sapa experience, and then hop on the bus back to Hanoi early the following day.  Then fly from Hanoi to Hue.

If you would prefer not to fly, you can take an overnight train or bus from Hanoi to Hue instead, arriving in the morning of Day 7.

The old imperial city still has many secrets to uncover. 

Hidden behind towering walls and large gates, you can explore where the last Emperor ruled from before abdicating his rule in favor of Ho Chi Minh.

This is where the North Vietnamese overtook the city, sparking a battle that lasted for almost a month in what was known as the Tet Offensive. (See Above 10-day Vietnam Itinerary)

Where to stay in Hue: Spend the night in town.  Leave your bags at your hotel while you explore the city the next morning, then head to Hoi An after lunch. 

The most spectacular way is on a motorbike tour through the Hai Van Pass .  The operators will take you on the back of a motorbike, and deliver both you and your luggage to your hotel in Hoi An.

Head to the beach during the day and relax on one of the many lounge chairs offered by the restaurants lining the foreshore of Central Vietnam.

In the evening enjoy the magical old town that comes alive at night with lights, markets, food, and more!  (See Above 10-day Vietnam Itinerary)

Where to stay in Hoi An: Spend the night in Hoi An, and fly from nearby Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City, or head to Nha Trang to link up with the Southern Vietnam Itinerary below.

READ MORE: Add these things to do in Hoi An to your 2 week Vietnam itinerary!

Extension Options

If you want more time in the north during your 2 week Vietnam itinerary, add on these trips such as Ninh Binh and some cool national parks.

Considered the inland version of Halong Bay, Ninh Binh is best seen by boat, on a pushbike, or scooter. 

We spent two full days in Ninh Binh and enjoyed a pushbike ride in the surrounding area.

We then hired a scooter in Ninh Binh and set out to see more of the beautiful lush hills, taking a boat ride through Tam Coc, and visiting pagodas.

You can easily book an awesome 2-day, 1-night tour of Ninh Binh from Hanoi if you’re not comfortable riding a scooter in the crazy Vietnam traffic.

Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park is home to over 300 caves and grottoes.  This UNESCO World Heritage Site protects the oldest karst system in Vietnam. 

It comprises of a precious ecosystem, limestone forest, and the world’s largest cave, Son Doong . 

The park offers eco-tourism, mountain climbing, trekking, flora and fauna, and caving. 

Some of this can be done independently, but tours are often the best option to get the most out of your time. 

The My Son ruins are another important UNESCO World Heritage site in central Vietnam. 

This temple complex was built by the Champas during their rule, and was influenced by Hinduism. 

The ruins of the brick temples and sculptures are often likened to Angkor Wat in Cambodia or Bagan in Myanmar.

Book a tour of My Son to make the most of your experience.

Ba Be Lake is the centre of the National Park, and of the Ba Be Lake legend. 

People believe that the lake was formed by an enchantress, who cursed the people of the surrounding area for not showing compassion to her when she asked for help.

Legends aside, Ba Be Lake offers a wide range of activities, from trekking, kayaking, motor-biking, waterfalls, caves, and the natural beauty and diversity of the area. 

The highest point of Bach Ma National Park is the 1450m high mountain of the same name. 

The park is known for its biodiversity, with lots of birds, flora, mammals, and primates.

The government finally protected the area in 1962, after the area was greatly damaged due to the use of agent orange during the Vietnam War.

The area is now safe for people to explore and is best seen with a tour guide . 

You can hike the Five Lakes Cascade Trail taking in the waterfalls, visit the monastery, and hike the Pheasant Trail .  

A visit to the demilitarized zone (DMZ), is a great one-day outing for history buffs. 

The DMZ area was the dividing line between North and South Vietnam during the war, and as a result, saw heavy fighting. 

The tour explains the extent of the fighting in this area, and the importance of the location in the Vietnam War. 

2 Week Vietnam Itinerary – 1 Week in the South

Next on your 2 weeks in Vietnam, spend 1 week in the south of Vietnam. You could easily spend 2 weeks in Vietnam in just the north or the south, but you can also spread out your time between both areas.

Our Southern itinerary begins in Nha Trang.  Either fly there from Saigon or Hanoi, or take a bus down from Hoi An if you’re continuing on from our Northern Itinerary.

Nha Trang is the most famous seaside resort in Vietnam and is known for its white-sand beaches, coastal islands, and clear waters with abundant marine life, making it perfect for scuba diving and snorkelling. 

The town itself also offers interesting cultural sites close by, and places where you can pamper yourself with a mud-bath, or enjoy a seafood dinner. 

Where to stay in Nha Trang: Spend a night in Nha Trang, and take a bus or private car to Dalat the next morning.

After a relaxing time on the beach, it’s time to get some more culture in during your 2 week Vietnam itinerary! 

Dalat is heavily influenced by the colonial period from the French occupation, as the French built their holiday homes here to take advantage of the temperate weather.

With beautiful buildings, gardens, interesting architecture, coffee and tea plantation tours, waterfalls, mountain biking, hiking, and canyoning , you don’t want to miss out on this city!

Where to stay in Dalat: Spend the night in Dalat, and take a bus or private car to Mui Ne the next morning.

READ MORE: Learn more about what to do in Dalat with our Dalat city guide .

Three main things are offered in this beautiful resort destination; relaxation, watersports, and sand dunes.

Mui Ne beach is dotted with resorts, hotels, and hostels, and is a great place to just sit and enjoy your surroundings. 

Although Mui Ne is more than just the beach, this area is set up for tourists and has one main street of shops, cafes, bars, and shopping.

Being a beach town, watersports are a big thing here, and just about everything is on offer from kitesurfing to parasailing. 

The Mui Ne sand dunes are popular, and a spectacular sight. 

There are two locations, the smaller, closer, red sand dunes, and the white sand dunes about 26km from town. 

Tours are available for both locations and you can also hire dune buggies, or go sledding! 

Where to stay in Mui Ne: Spend a night in Mui Ne, then shake the sand from your belongings and take a bus or the train to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) the next morning.

There’s so much to see and experience in this historic city, including day tours to some pretty important locations, that you’ll need two days .  

On the first day, you’ll head out into Ho Chi Minh City.  It has some great cultural sites, like the Vietnam War Museum, Independence Palace, Notre Dame, and it also boasts some pretty great nightlife too.  

For the second day, we suggest you head out of the city on a day tour.  There are two great options: The Chu Chi Tunnels, or a trip to the Mekong Delta. (See Above 10-day Vietnam Itinerary)

Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City: For your two nights in Saigon, stay in District 1 to be right in the middle of everything, District 3 if you’d like a more relaxed stay that’s still only moments away from the action or District 4 for a real local experience. Fly to Phu Quoc Island on Day 6.

Phu Quoc is a small island off the coast of Cambodia, lined with white sand beaches and palm trees.  

There are many resorts along the southwest coast providing you with ample opportunity for some relaxation time, while you swim, and eat your last fill of tasty Vietnamese food.   

Phu Quoc island is home to mountains, tropical rainforest, hiking and wildlife, all within its National Park. 

Lots of tours are available to explore the island which offers snorkelling as well, or you can hire a scooter and set off by yourself.

Where to stay in Phu Quoc Island: Spend two relaxing nights on Phu Quoc Island, then fly back to Saigon to catch your onward flight!

If you have more time to spend during your 2 weeks in Vietnam, take the ferry to the mainland, and continue overland to some of the extension options listed below, or to Cambodia.

If you have more time for your 2 week Vietnam itinerary, or you want to further explore one area rather than hopping around, here are some ideas!

Depending on what you did in 7 days for our Southern Vietnam Itinerary, if you have time you might like to see the other option best explored out of Ho Chi Minh City.  (See Above 10-day Vietnam Itinerary)

During the French occupation, and later the Saigon regime, this island was used to house political prisoners and prisoners that were considered especially dangerous.

Aside from its harrowing past, the island is known for its natural beauty with over 80% of the island being a National Park. 

These days the island is frequented for its spectacular snorkelling and diving, with abundant coral reefs, beautiful beaches, and hidden lagoons.   

Can Tho is the de facto capital of the delta region and an unassuming city full of life. 

Most of the activity happens around the pier where you can enjoy great food and cold beer. 

Boat rides are available to show you more of the city and surrounding area, and visit some early-morning markets. 

If you’d like a little break from the tourists and are looking to just relax and hang out with the locals, Qui Nhon is the place to come . 

Unspoiled by tourism, this sleepy town has squeaky white sand beaches, snorkeling, swimming, temples, and museums. 

Cat Tien National Park is comprised of two sections Cat Loc, and Nam Cat Tien, the former being the most visited of the two. 

The river by Nam Cat Tien houses an important Hindu archaeological site and temple, where a large number of artifacts have been uncovered and are now in the Dalat museum. 

The national park has spectacular flora and fauna and trekking.

READ MORE: 33 amazing things to do in Vietnam !

Vietnam is a large and diverse country, with a great deal to offer the traveller who goes in with an open mind and heart. 

While we’ve listed what we feel are the main highlights, there is much more to be explored when you visit Vietnam.

Friendly people really make Vietnam a special place to visit.

The itineraries listed above are a bare minimum if you need to get the most out of a short amount of time. 

While doable, if possible it would be a much more relaxing trip if you could pad it out by adding a few days to your Vietnam itinerary, and slow down a little!

We hope you have a wonderful time there!

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4 days in Hanoi, Vietnam, a Hanoi itinerary

This post is also available in: French

Planning to spend 4 days in Hanoi, Vietnam, and looking to see as much as possible? There are so many things to see in Hanoi and the surrounding area. This Hanoi itinerary will help you make the most out of your stay.

If you’re planning on going to Vietnam, the vibrant city of Hanoi will most certainly be on your list and may well be the jumping-off point for your Asian adventure. In which case, you’ll want to plan an amazing Hanoi itinerary to start your trip off in style. Having recently returned from Vietnam, I have put together a four-day Hanoi itinerary that I think ticks all the boxes for those wishing to soak up the city’s history, culture, charm, and character.

From the world-famous Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Vietnam War Museum to the stunning collection of temples, lakes, markets, and more, this Hanoi itinerary really does have it all! Plus, giving yourself four days also allows you to take a day trip to Halong Bay which is one of the real highlights of the whole of Vietnam!

Table of Contents

The Best Time To Visit Hanoi

Hanoi’s climate has a bit of a mix between standard Northern Hemisphere seasons (with varying temperatures throughout the year) and trop ical downpours that are more in line with its southeast Asian location. As such, you’ll need to decide what your priorities are in terms of weather when deciding when is the best time for you to visit Hanoi.

February to April tends to be Hanoi’s spring months with mild temperatures (15-20) and regular drizzle making it an ideal time for vegetation to bloom. From then on, the summer months of May to August start to heat up with temperatures heading into the 30s and sometimes even 40s throughout the months of July and August! These months are distinguished by their heat and high humidity as well as heavy afternoon rainfall which can sometimes cause serious flooding.

Once you get into September temperatures start to dip again, with pleasant 25-degree days and a changing autumnal landscape that makes a stunning backdrop on your trip. And lastly, winter in Hanoi lasts throughout December and January. These months are usually cool yet with high humidity which means they’re not the best time to travel unless you want to explore the city while avoiding the heat.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means that should you click on certain links, and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission.

How To Get To And From The Airport In Hanoi

There are various ways that you can get to Hanoi city center from Noi Bai HAN Airport (and vice versa) with the shuttle being one of the cheapest and easiest methods for those staying in the Old Quarter. The airport shuttle service costs around 40,000VND (under $2/1.50) and should take around 45 minutes to one hour depending on the time of day you travel and whether the bus leaves on time!

From the airport, the shuttles leave from just outside the terminal and from the city center they leave from the Vietnam Airlines Office on Quang Trung near the Hoan Kiem Lake. These buses usually leave every hour but it may be a case of waiting until the bus is full before the driver departs. Depending on where you are staying in the city, you may be able to walk to your hotel or hop in a taxi for the last leg.

Alternatively, you could take a taxi all the way from the airport to the city. This could be a good choice if you are traveling as a group or know that you are staying somewhere outside of the center. Taxis generally cost around 300,000-350,000VND ($12-15/10-12) so still won’t break the bank. You’ll want to make sure you get an official green taxi from the airport taxi rank though to ensure that you don’t get ripped off by an unscrupulous taxi driver charging over the odds on his dodgy meter!

If you’d rather have a transfer organized in advance (a particularly good idea if you’re arriving late at night) then you can arrange a private airport transfer for around $15/12 so that you can have a professional driver waiting with a personalized sign to take you from door-to-door – click here for more information and to book your transfer. 

How To Get Around Hanoi

Many of Hanoi’s main city sights are located in the Old and French Quarters which means that they are generally accessible on foot from your hotel if you are staying somewhere central. As there are simply so many things to see and do you’ll never have to walk more than half an hour before stumbling upon yet another sight!

If you do wish to travel long distances in and around Hanoi, you can take a motor-taxi (known as xe om ), a cab (always try to flag down a green one) or hop on the electric bus which covers the Old Quarter and the area around Hoan Kiem Lake. For shorter hops when you don’t fancy walking in the Hanoi heat, take a cyclo (similar to a rickshaw), just make sure you agree on a fixed price first.

With most transport options around the city, it’s a good idea to have your destination written down in Vietnamese to avoid miscommunication!

4 Days in Hanoi, a Comprehensive Hanoi Itinerary

4 days in hanoi: day one.

Your first day in  Hanoi Vietnam will be spent in and around the Old Quarter visiting the lakes, temples and significant sites that give you an insight into the city’s history and culture. There will be a lot of walking today so make sure you’re wearing comfortable shoes and have a backpack complete with your camera, water, and daily essentials!

Tran Quoc Pagoda and West Lake

The Tran Quoc Pagoda located on West Lake in the heart of Hanoi is one of the most iconic city sights, not least because it is the oldest pagoda in the city. The Tran Quoc Pagoda – meaning protecting the peaceful country – is around 1500 years old and is a sacred space that is visited by both locals and tourists alike who come to admire the beautiful architecture as well as the peace that it represents within this chaotic city. The site features a distinct red stupa, a Bodhi tree donated by the Indian president as well as smaller temple buildings and a museum which houses important antiques and statues.

Presidential Palace Historical Site

The Presidential Palace Historical Site (Khu di tích Phủ Chủ tịch) is a yellow, French colonial-style building that was the home of President Ho Chi Minh during the 1950s and 60s. Since 1977 it has been open to the public as a cultural site and visitors can explore the rooms where many political gatherings took place.

It is important to note that the Presidential Palace Historical Site is only open in the morning (7.30 am-10.30 am weekdays/7.30am-11 am weekends and holidays) so if you want to go inside the building, you’ll want to ensure that it is early on your itinerary.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Next up is the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, another site that is only open in the morning. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is situated in the center of Ba Dinh Square and is arguably the most visited attraction in the city.

The large structure is both imposing and iconic and thousands of visitors line up around the square to go inside and glimpse the body of the Vietnamese leader which is preserved here in a glass case. Admission to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is free but it is worth noting that visitors are required to dress appropriately and are required to check-in their belongings before entering the site.

One Pillar Pagoda

The quaint One Pillar Pagoda is a lovely site to visit in Hanoi with the structure thought to represent a pristine lotus flower rising up out of the water below. Built between the years of 1028 and 1054, the One Pillar Pagoda is both a tourist attraction and a holy shrine dedicated to the Vietnamese Buddhist deity Quan Am. As the pagoda is located in the park behind the Ba Dinh square, it is a tranquil place to relax and cool off after your visit to the mausoleum this morning.

Thăng Long Imperial Citadel

Another highlight of your trip to Hanoi will be the Thăng Long Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient buildings and ruins and historic artifacts that give visitors an insight into the trading history and lives of Vietnamese people over the past few centuries. This was the cultural and political heart of the country for around 13 centuries and as such, the historic fortress is one of the most notable and important sites.

Hoa Lo Prison Memorial

Hanoi’s Hỏa Lò Prison Memorial is a symbol of the Vietnamese struggle against French colonists in which harsh, inhumane punishments were carried out and hundreds of sacrifices took place in the hope of national independence. Today, the prison serves as a memorial and educational reminder of the atrocities and the tenacity of the Vietnamese people during this period.

Hoàn Kiếm Lake – Temple of the Jade Mountain – The Huc Bridge

Another of Hanoi’s famous lakes is Hoan Kiem Lake, a peaceful retreat in the city that is home to Ngoc Son Temple (Temple of the Jade Mountain) accessed by crossing the picturesque Huc Bridge (Rising Sun Bridge). This iconic area is not only known for its beauty but also its legendary past that is thought to have seen an emperor defeat the Chinese Ming Dynasty with a magical sword, which, in turn, allowed the return of the Golden Turtle God to the lake.

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

The last stop on Day 1 of your Hanoi itinerary is the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre where you can spend an evening admiring this traditional Vietnamese art. The art of water puppetry is thought to have started in rural Vietnam when locals decided to make entertainment out of their flooded rice paddy fields. Typical water puppet shows features stories of everyday life in Vietnam or portrays historical legends, with light, sound, and movement creating an intriguing show of puppets floating across the water.

Click here to book your skip the line tickets for the water puppet theatre. 

4 Days in Hanoi, Day Two

Vietnam museum of ethnology.

A great way to start your second day in Hanoi is to visit the Vietnam Museum Of Ethnology, a site that provides information about the 54 different ethnic groups in Vietnam. This is a fascinating museum that helps to preserve cultural heritage and identity through the use of education and exhibitions. The museum allows you to explore the different architectural styles of the ethnic groups, get an insight into the various pastimes and admire the range of traditional clothing, jewelry and festival items that make each of these groups unique.

Vietnam War Museum

Next, you’ll move on to the Vietnam Military History Museum, a site that houses a vast collection of military items and weaponry that has been used throughout Vietnam’s tumultuous history. Not only does the museum feature authentic military relics but it also includes a number of first-hand accounts from former soldiers who tell their side of the story.

Temple Of Literature

For those who prefer culture to history, the Temple Of Literature in Hanoi is a real favorite. This temple was originally constructed as a university in 1070 but is now a memorial to education and literature, with manicured gardens and courtyards focused on mental clarity and learning and with the names of successful graduates engraved on stone columns throughout the complex.

Train Street

Hanoi Train Street is a much-loved Instagram spot thanks to the rare urban landscape that makes an amazing backdrop for photographs. The narrow, traditional Vietnamese street is iconic because it has a real, working railway running straight down the middle of it! For most of the day, life carries on as normal with children playing and local ladies cooking up street food, but every few hours everything gets cleared out of the way and a high-speed train whistles through the street on the way to Ho Chi Minh!

Check Out The Street Food

Asian street food is always a real highlight with tasty treats, meals, and snacks being cooked up on practically every street corner on the continent. Hanoi is no different and therefore checking out the street food is a must. With hearty bowls of steaming pho (noodle soup), crispy spring rolls, fresh summer rolls, and Vietnamese coffee there are loads of different treats to try. Plus, Vietnam has a historical French influence so you can try sumptuously filled baguettes (banh mi) and delectable desserts too! If you are worried about navigating Vietnamese street food stalls on your own, opt instead for a small-group walking tour of Hanoi’s street food so you can try the highlights without the hassle.

4 Days in Hanoi: Day Three

Day trip to tam coc.

After spending your first two days exploring the sights within the city, you might want to get away from the hustle and bustle to see something a little different. This is why I choose to put a day trip as the third day of this Hanoi itinerary.

This day trip to Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, and Mua Cave allows you to enjoy a stunning boat trip along the Ngo Dong river in Vietnam’s rural countryside, witnessing traditional villages, the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and the spectacular Mua Cave and mountain. Guests can climb the 500 steps to the top of the cave where you will be greeted with panoramic views of the region!

Click here for more information and to book this tour. 

4 Days in Hanoi: Day Four

Day trip to halong bay.

Last but by no means least on your four-day Hanoi itinerary is a day trip to Halong Bay. Halong Bay is one of the most impressive and iconic sites in the whole of Vietnam and is, therefore, a must when visiting Hanoi. The bay lies around 180km from the city and can be easily reached in just a few hours. As such, there’s really no excuse not to go. Your Halong Bay day trip will take you from the Old Quarter of Hanoi to the Tuan Chau Island pier where you will board your boat and enjoy a fresh seafood lunch while you sail amongst the islands.

Halong Bay comprises of a breath-taking selection of karst limestone peaks and islands along with white sand beaches, coves, and caves that invite you to take a closer look. If you wish, you’ll then have the chance to hop in a kayak to explore Thien Cung (Heavenly Palace Grotto) a huge chamber with mysterious stalactites and stalagmites at every turn. This is likely to be a real highlight of your trip and will be a day you’ll never forget!

Click here for more information and to book this cruise. 

Where to stay in Hanoi

Hanoi has an incredible selection of hotels with everything from luxurious chains to local guest houses available to suit all travelers. During my trip, we stayed at the Hotel Du Parc , an exquisite hotel situated towards the south of the city. The property features large, modern rooms and excellent on-site facilities such as a restaurant, cafe, and lobby bar as well as a spa and fitness center. While I would recommend this for those seeking a stylish western hotel, the location did mean it was around a 30-minute walk to Ba Dinh Square or a taxi ride to other, further destinations.

Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.

Alternatively, if you want a hotel located in the heart of the French Quarter, you might want to opt for somewhere like the Apricot Hotel a gorgeous hotel situated on the edge of the Hoan Kiem Lake which features bright, comfortable rooms as well as a rooftop pool and spa facilities.

Click here for more information and to check the latest prices. 

Hopefully, this four-day Hanoi itinerary has you inspired to start planning your trip to Vietnam so that you too can explore the country’s fascinating culture and landscapes. This itinerary gives you both a taster of the city center highlights, as well as a couple of local day trips to ensure your experience is varied, exciting, and interesting throughout.

Let me know in the comments if you’re planning on traveling to Hanoi and I can give you some more top tips!

Check out more posts on Vietnam: 1o day in Vietnam itinerary Hoi An itinerary 1 day in Hue Ho Chi Minh Itinerary

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Looks like a really great place to visit, I’d love to see the Train Street!!!

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• Danang 4 days itinerary

Danang is a coastal city located in central Vietnam, 770 km from Hanoi and 850 km from Ho Chi Minh City. Danang is the fourth largest city in Vietnam. It is a big city, modern and animated.

Vietnam is a very long country and transport is very tiring. Thus, Danang is a full-fledged destination for many tourists who wish to visit this region. Danang International Airport provides direct flights to central Vietnam from abroad. There are direct flights from Malaysia for example.

Many tourists choose to spend only 4 days and 3 nights in Danang, which is enough to visit the main destinations of central Vietnam . We will describe here an itinerary to follow if you choose to spend 4 days and 3 nights in Danang.

The nearest and best known cities around Danang are Hoi An and Hue. These cities are easily accessible from Danang. Hoi An is only 45 minutes far from downtown Danang and it takes about 3 hours to reach Hue from Danang.

The interest of spending 4 days in Danang is to be able to take a rest at the edge of the sea while discovering landscapes and magnificent cities. The center of Vietnam is the ideal region to go for a weekend with friends or family. There are many attractions in this part of Vietnam .

Best 4 days Danang itinerary

With only 4 days in Danang, it is better not to waste too much time on arrival at Danang Airport and choose immediately where you want to spend the most of your time.

Be aware that Hoi An is only 45 minutes drive from the airport and is a much nicer place than Danang. Therefore, we recommend that you should spend more time in Hoi An than in Danang.

Here is the itinerary we recommend for a 4 days stay in Central Vietnam :

Day 1 : Danang arrival – transfer to Hoi An, overnight in Hoi An Day 2 : Hoi An – Cam Thanh basket boats or My Son sanctuary, overnight in Hoi An Day 3 : Hoi An – Ba Na Hills , overnight in Danang Day 4 : Danang departure

Upon arrival, you can take a taxi from the airport to reach your hotel in Hoi An. The price of the race costs around US $ 15 (360,000 VND) which is not excessive.

Some people choose to book a hotel near the sea. This is another possibility. Know that hotels by the sea are often quite expensive and the beach is about 6 km from the old town. It is therefore necessary to take a taxi to visit the old town of Hoi An. Some hotels offer free shuttle services but these services are not always very convenient.

The second day, you can choose to visit the village of Cam Thanh with its famous basket boats. Group excursions are not very expensive. This little boat trip on the river is very nice and will allow you to learn more about traditional fishing techniques. The rowers master their boats very well and will make some demonstrations. Hang in there!

On the third day, you can leave Hoi An to go to Ba Na Hills . The most popular theme park in Vietnam is about an hour and a half drive from Hoi An.

Ba Na Hills is a must for most tourists visiting Danang. Ba Na Hills Station is a hill station and resort located on the Trường Sơn Mountains in Da Nang, central Vietnam. The station, advertised as “the Da Lat of Danang province” by local tourism authorities, was founded in 1919 by French colonists. Linh Ung Pagodais located near the station, with a cable car to carry tourists to and from the resort. The Ba Na Cable Car , opened on March 29, 2013, holds the world record for longest non-stop single track cable car at 5801 meters in length. During your visit to Ba Na Hills , you should not miss the famous Golden Bridge for a memorable selfie. To learn more about Ba Na Hills , read our article here . Note that on weekends, there are often a lot of people at Ba Na Hills . The weekends are therefore to be avoided as far as possible for your visit.

Finally, after visiting Ba Na Hills , the end of your 4 days Danang itinerary will approach. It will be time to return to Danang which is 45 minutes drive from Ba Na Hills . You can choose to spend the night in the city to admire the Dragon Bridge and go to the night market or choose to spend the evening on one of the most beautiful beach of Vietnam My Khe Beach. Note that the beach is pretty far from downtown. So you have to make a choice here.

The next day you will be just 20 minutes from Danang Airport for your return flight. We hope that with our advice you will have a pleasant stay of 4 days and 3 nights in Danang .

Best time for a 4 days Danang trip

The choice of the best period is essential for a pleasant stay in Danang .

The rainy season runs from September to December. It’s the wrong time to visit Danang .

From June to August, Danang is very hot and there are many local tourists. Ba Na Hills will be much crowded during this period.

The best time for a 4 days Danang itinerary is from January to May. During this period, it is not too hot and the weather is dry. The weather is ideal to enjoy the city of Hoi An or go to Ba Na Hills.

To learn more about the best time to visit Danang, feel free to read our article here .

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Vietnam Itinerary – 4 Week Route Guide For 2024

Vietnam is a country with an interesting history, rich with culture, magnificent beaches, hundreds of spiritual temples, breathtaking landscapes, buzzing cities, delicious food, and the list goes on!

For most, it’s overwhelming when trying to plan a 4-week Vietnam itinerary, so I have put together this guide of all the best things to do in Vietnam, how to get around, and where to stay to help you plan your trip ahead of time.

Table of Contents

GETTING AROUND VIETNAM

Vietnam has a huge network of transportation options including coach buses, sleeper buses, taxis, grab taxi/grab bike, trains, and domestic airlines.

Search All → Flights in Vietnam on Skyscanner

VIETNAM ROUTE GUIDE

The most common Vietnam Route is from the south to the north (Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi) and from the north to the south (Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh).

I personally traveled from the south to the north and found this to be the most efficient Vietnam route without having to do any backtracking.

VIETNAM MAP

The BEST way to book your travel in Asia!

12Go Asia is the best online platform to find cheap tickets for buses, trains, ferries, airport transfers, and flights all over Asia!

Save time and money on your travels by using 12Go Asia to organize and book all your transportation.

VIETNAM ACCOMMODATION

Vietnam has a wide range of accommodation options from luxury resorts to budget hostels and everything in between. I personally use Booking.com to search and book all of my accommodations.

Click Here to search rates and availability for all accommodations in Vietnam.

VIETNAM ITINERARY

Ho chi minh city.

Ho Chi Minh City (more commonly known as Saigon) is in the southern region of Vietnam and is famous for its pivotal role in the Vietnam War. It is a must-see location on your Vietnam itinerary.

Ho Chi Minh is a noisy, hot, dynamic city that rarely sleeps with a complex history and plenty of cultures to soak up.

See All →   Hotels & Backpackers in Ho Chi Minh

Top 7 things to do in ho chi minh city, war remnants museum.

The War Remnants Museum is an eye-opener experience, to say the least – a museum not to be missed. The War Remnants Museum contains exhibits relating to the Vietnam War, featuring historic photographs, military vehicles, and weaponry.

INDEPENDENCE PALACE

The Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace, is a very iconic landmark in Ho Chi Minh City. The Independence Palace was the home and workplace of the South Vietnam President during the Vietnam War. It was the site of the end of the Vietnam War during the Fall of Saigon in April 1975, when a North Vietnamese Army Tank barged through the front gates.

SAIGON NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL

The Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the most famous landmarks in the city. Its incredible architecture surrounds the rich spirituality behind the thousands of red bricks. The Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral was built by French colonists in the late 1800s and it is located in the most crowded district of Ho Chi Minh City – District 1.

SAIGON CENTRAL POST OFFICE

The Central Post Office in Ho Chi Minh is a remnant of French colonial times and it is one of the grandest post offices in all of Southeast Asia. Marveling at the features of this beautiful building will take you back a step in time. As you step inside the Saigon Central Post Office, which was built in the late 1800s, you can see looping arches, polished marble floors, and old telephone boxes serving as a reminder of the post office’s importance before the days of email and mobile phones.

HO CHI MINH CITY HALL

The Ho Chi Minh City Hall is a beautiful piece of architecture surrounded by extremely well-kept gardens and smooth paved roads. Unfortunately, the Ho Chi Minh City Hall is not open to the public but it is a great spot for photo opportunities during the day and also at night when the building is colorfully lit.

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BEN THANH MARKET

The Ben Tanh Market is the most popular market in Ho Chi Minh City and a great place to put your haggling skills to the test. You can shop for local handicrafts, artworks, souvenirs, and various clothing. Inside Ben Tanh Market you can also find hawker-style Vietnamese food and fresh fruit juice stalls dotted throughout. Don’t be afraid to go deep and get lost as there are lots of interesting things to see.

SAIGON SKYDECK

The Saigon Skydeck at the Bitexco Financial Tower, one of the main attractions in Ho Chi Minh City. The Saigon Skydeck on the 49th floor offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the entire city. The best time to visit is during sunset, this way you can catch a clear view of the distant buildings and landscapes during the golden hour before witnessing the colorful bright lights illuminate the city as the sky darkens.

Full Blog Post → Top 7 Things To Do In Ho Chi Minh

Next up on this itinerary is Mui Ne, located on the east coast of Vietnam and it’s known for its beautiful palm-fringed beaches, various watersports activities, and the famous Mui Ne Sand Dunes.

This is one location you definitely don’t want to miss when backpacking Vietnam.

Search All → Hostels, Hotels & Resorts in Mui Ne

Best things to do in mui ne, mui ne sand dunes – 4×4 adventure.

Have you ever been to a desert by the sea? If your answer is no, then you haven’t been to the Mui Ne Sand Dunes!

This little coastal town draws in travelers from around the world to experience an unforgettable sunrise over the Saharaesque landscape.

After a 20 minute drive in the safari Jeep from the center of town, you will arrive at the white sand dunes of Mui Ne just in time for an unforgettable sunrise over the dunes.

As Mui Ne is most famous for these oceanic wind-sculpted dunes, it is unfortunately flooded with tourists. But please don’t be put off by this as there are more than enough dunes to wander around on.

We veered off the beaten path a little and managed to find an epic spot all to ourselves while everyone else crowded around on one of the higher Mui Ne dune peaks for sunrise.

Full Blog Post → Mui Ne Sand Dunes

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FAIRY STREAM IN MUI NE

The Fairy Stream in Mui Ne is colored by soft clay and limestone rocks that crumble down to shore from one side of the red canyon.

The Fairy Stream winds its way through a red canyon which resembles a miniature version of the Grand Canyon in Arizona. The soft red sand is quite pleasant to walk on so I encourage you to take off your shoes and get some clay mud between your toes.

The towering limestone rocks on the edges of the red canyon seem to be a likely hiding place for potential fairies to hang out and it very well may be where the name Fairy Stream comes from.

The Fairy Stream Mui Ne is surrounded by shaded bamboo and palm tree forests and it takes approximately 10-15 minutes to walk from one end of the stream to the other.

Full Blog Post → Fairy Stream Mui Ne

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Cam Ranh on the east coast of Vietnam is still yet to hit the radar for most travelers and, in my opinion, it’s the most underrated location.

If you’re looking for deserted beaches and scenic drives, Cam Ranh is where you will discover exactly that!

Search All → Accommodations in Cam Ranh

Best things to do in cam ranh, vinh hy binh tien scenic coast road.

The Vinh Hy Binh Tien Pass is up there with one of the most scenic coastal roads I have ever journeyed on. Around every hairpin corner, there are glistening white sand beaches and turquoise waters, not to mention they are all absolutely deserted.

The Vinh Hy Binh Tien Pass is a 17 km snaking road that starts at Bien Tien beach and ends in the small fishing village of Vinh Hy. Prepare to be in striking awe along every single inch of this unbelievably scenic coastal drive.

There is little to no traffic along the way and several viewpoints to pull off to the side of the road and snap some photos. It is honestly hard to take a bad photo here, the impeccable beaches and lush mountainous forests of Nui Chua National Park will have you pinching yourself as if you are dreaming!

This entire coastline, in my opinion, has a very similar landscape to the Greek Islands. It’s easy to navigate the Vinh Hy Binh Tien Pass and it would be rude not to stop at every beach for a swim and some exploring.

Full Blog Post → Cam Ranh – Scenic Coast Road

You can’t miss the ‘Big Smoke’ coastal city of Nha Trang on your next visit to Vietnam. There are many awesome things to do in Nha Trang that are suitable for all kinds of travelers from around the world.

Nha Trang is famous for its long stretch of white sand beaches, reputable diving sites, ancient Buddhist temples, and offshore islands!

Search All → Hotels & Resorts in Nha Trang

Top 3 things to do in nha trang, long son pagoda – big buddha statue.

The Long Son Pagoda, also known as Chua Long Son, is a sacred Buddhist Temple on the foothill of Trai Thuy Mountain. Long Son Pagoda is one of the top things to do in Nha Trang City and it is most famous for the large white Buddha statue that can be seen from almost everywhere in town.

THÁP BÀ PO NAGAR – CHAM TOWERS NHA TRANG

A visit to the Po Nagar Cham Towers was one of my favorite things to do in Nha Trang.  The Cham Towers were built in medieval times, somewhere between the 7th and 12th centuries. Commonly known as Tháp Bà, the Po Nagar Cham Towers are still actively used for worship by the Cham, Chinese and Vietnamese Buddhists.

NHA TRANG BEACH

Who doesn’t love a beach day?! One of the best things to do in Nha Trang is to head to the beach for some fun in the sun.  Nha Trang beach is rated number 29 of the most beautiful bays in the world – ultimate postcard material.

Head on down to the famous esplanade resort strip along Nha Trang Bay and pick a spot under a shady palm tree to perch up for the day. Along Nha Trang beach you can find a number of restaurants, cafes, bars, and water sports activities to keep you happy and entertained.

Full Blog Post → Things To Do In Nha Trang

Hoi An is one of the most popular destinations in the country and not to be missed.

There are many things to do in Hoi An such as exploring the pristine beaches, taking a self-guided walking tour in the historic old town , and visiting the UNESCO site in the majestic mountain ranges.

Search All → Homestays / Hotels / Resorts in Hoi An

Top 4 things to do in hoi an, hoi an old town .

Exploring Old Town is one of the top things to do and not to be missed. The architecture in Old Town is influenced by the French, Chinese and Japanese cultures. There are colorful buildings around every corner, the streets are decorated with stringing lanterns and beautiful canals cut through the center of the Old Town Hoi An.

MY SON SANCTUARY IN HOI AN VIETNAM

The My Son Sanctuary is a cluster of ancient Hindu temples that were constructed in the emerald hills in the Duy Xuyen District between the 4th and the 14th century. The abandoned temples of My Son Sanctuary is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the most popular attraction in the region and draws in thousands of visitors annually.

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HOI AN BEACH 

After a long day exploring the Old Town and My Son Sanctuary, the best cure is to head down to Hoi An beach to cool off and enjoy the shade underneath the cluster of coconut palms that line the beachfront.

As busy as Hoi An can get with locals and tourists combined, you will be sure to find your own little private beach spot along the pristine stretch of white sand coastline, making it one of the top things to do in Hoi An.

BAMBOO BASKET BOAT RIVER CRUISE

Never have I ever seen anything like these hand-crafted bamboo baskets that are used as fishing boats by the local fisherman of Hoi An. Take an hour-long cruise down the river and canals in one of these uniquely constructed, bamboo basket boats.

Book Now: Bamboo Basket Boat Tour

Full Blog Post → Things To Do In Hoi An

The next stop after Hoi An is Da Nang, a buzzing coastal city and one of the most up-and-coming Vietnam tourist spots.

There are many awesome things to do in Da Nang including white sand beaches, the Marble Mountains, and of course the world-famous Golden Bridge in Ba Na Hills.

Search All → Tours in Da Nang

Best things to do in da nang, golden bridge in da nang.

The Golden Bridge Ba Na Hills has recently gone viral across the world since it was first opened to the public in June 2018. Thanks to Instagram, this bridge has made it to the top of everyone’s bucket list and it is easy to see why!

Book Now → Golden Bridge Day Trip From Da Nang

The cable car ride takes 20 minutes from bottom to top of Ba Na Hills offering spectacular views of the surrounding coastline and mountains as you ascend into the mountains. When you reach the top of the gondola ride you’ll be greeted with the sight of the giant colossal hands holding up the infamous Golden Bridge.

The bridge was designed to evoke the image of God’s hands pulling a strip of gold out of the land. The shimmering golden walkway sits at 1400 meters above sea level and stretches 150 meters through the treetops on Ba Na Hills.

Due to its popularity, the Golden Bridge Ba Na Hills is flooded with visitors, day in and day out, however, you will still get to enjoy uninterrupted panoramic views of the landscapes below.

God’s hands holding up the Golden Bridge on Ba Na Hills were purposely constructed to look weathered as if they had been there for centuries, giving it an antique look.

Full Blog Post →   Golden Bridge In Ba Na Hills

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Ninh Binh is an absolute GEM of a place yet it is one of the most underrated destinations. I have put together some highlights of the best things to do in Ninh Binh.

Ninh Binh’s landscape is a sight for sore eyes and I have never seen anything like it before. Hundreds of limestone cliffs are scattered across vivid green rice fields and it sure does live up to its nickname, ‘Halong Bay on Land’. Apart from the phenomenal picturesque landscapes in Ninh Binh, this thriving destination offers Vietnam’s most rural and authentic side.

Search All → Homestays & Resorts in Ninh Binh

Top 3 things to do in ninh binh, bich dong pagoda .

Bich Dong is a three-tiered ancient pagoda nestled into a mountainside in Tam Coc and it is one of the best things to do in Vietnam. The cluster of cave temples is surrounded by a bed of water and impressive water lilies that will have you in awe when you arrive at the entrance of Bich Dong.

HANG MUA CAVE HIKE  

Hiking to the highest peak at Hang Mua makes it on the list of awesome things to do in Ninh Binh because it is a fantastic way to start your day. The Hang Mua Cave at the bottom of the hike is not that spectacular to look at but rather the incredible 360-degree views at the top of the mountain are what makes this hike so worth it!

BAI DINH PAGODA  

The Bai Dinh Pagoda lies within a complex of spiritual Buddhist temples on Bai Dinh Mountain in Ninh Binh, North Vietnam. The Bai Dinh Pagoda stands an impressive 13-stories tall with panoramic views at the top.

Full Blog Post →   Things To Do In Ninh Binh

Begin week 4 of your Vietnam trip in Sapa, North Vietnam, which is widely known for its vast rice fields that occupy the region and is also home to Fansipan Mountain, the highest peak in Vietnam.

The slow pace of life in Sa Pa attracts many visitors year-round to experience the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the north.

Search All → Tours in Sapa with Klook

Best things to do in sapa, the silver waterfall in sapa.

The Silver Waterfall Sapa, or as the locals call it Thac Bac is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the region. Head north along the Sapa loop road and discover the raging Thac Bac waterfall in the San Sai Ho mountainside.

It’s a short 5-minute walk up a set of steep stairs till you reach the steel arched bridge, which is the furthest accessible point at Silver Waterfall Sapa.

From the bridge, you can enjoy impressive views of the 200-meter-high Thac Bac waterfall as the silver water gushes down from the Ham Rong mountain peak. Unfortunately, you cannot swim at the falls though it is a wonderful attraction nonetheless.

Full Blog Post → Silver Waterfall In Sapa

RICE FIELD TREKKING IN SAPA

Sapa is a region known for the incredible rice terraces cut into the mountainside. Most visitors that head to Sapa are there to go trekking through these aesthetically pleasing rice terraces.

To book a rice field trekking tour in advance, Click Here.

Alternatively, you can simply go on a self-guided trek through the local villages and rice terraces at your own pace.

FANSIPAN MOUNTAIN

Sapa is also home to the highest peak in Vietnam, known as Fansipan, which is 3,143 meters at the highest point.

There are two options for getting to the top of Mt. Fansipan:

• Take the easy route and ride the gondola chair from Sapa to Fansipan, this will cost you 700,000 VND.
• Book a two-day and one-night hike to the peak of Fansipan.

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HEAVEN’S GATE VIEWPOINT IN SAPA

About 30 minutes north of Sapa town is the Heaven’s Gate viewpoint. Prepare for your mind to be blown at the sight of the deep valley and surrounding towering peaks of Sapa. A beautiful mountain pass road cuts its way around one of the mountainsides.

The best time to visit Heaven’s gate viewpoint is at sunset. There are a few small eateries known as ‘cafe in the clouds’ where you can grab a drink and some bamboo sticky rice while you enjoy the last rays of the sun setting over the valley.

Ha Giang is also located in North Vietnam and is renowned for its forested limestone and granite mountains.

Majority of people visiting Ha Giang head here to experience the famous Ha Giang Loop motorcycle adventure.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN HA GIANG

Ha giang loop.

Having heard nothing but great things about the extreme Ha Giang Loop in North Vietnam, I had to journey up into the mountains to experience it for myself.

The Ha Giang Loop road is an unforgettable 3-day – 350km – round trip adventure that will lead you through majestic landscapes of pinnacle limestone cliffs, deep craterous valleys, and ancient traditional villages.

The main thing I would like to point out here is the condition of the road on the Ha Giang Loop. No matter what your skill level is as a rider, the roads on the loop are in excellent condition in some areas and also sketchy and dangerous in other areas.

I can’t stress enough to pay full attention to the road and other road users take it slow and steady. There is no need to speed and be sure to make yourself known on blind corners by sounding your horn.

The weather can be very sporadic in the Ha Giang region, so be prepared to experience all the elements on your 3-day adventure. Take a rain jacket in case it downpours and warm clothing for the cool temperatures at night.

I recommend wearing a long sleeve shirt or sunscreen when riding during the peak sun hours of the day, otherwise, your skin will get burnt to a crisp.

Full Blog Post → Ha Giang Loop Adventure

Last but not least on this itinerary is Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, boasting centuries-old architecture and rich culture of Chinese and French influences.

There are many things to do in Hanoi to keep you occupied and it’s the perfect place to finish your adventures in Vietnam.

Find All → Accommodations in Hanoi

Best things to do in hanoi, hanoi old quarter.

Hanoi Old Quarter is the most popular place to hang out in Hanoi. There are dozens of local eateries, cheap bars, buzzing nightclubs, beautiful parks and temples, old churches, and shopping stores galore.

There is a young scene of backpackers, ex-pats, and travelers alike making Hanoi worth visiting on your Vietnam route.

I spent two days and one night in Hanoi but unfortunately at the time, I was not feeling well so I didn’t get to explore as much as I would have liked to.

BEST VIETNAM TOURS

Vietnam itinerary – things to know before you go.

Vietnam can be visited year-round, however, the recommended time to visit is in Spring (February to April) and in Autumn (August to October), this is when the temperatures are more moderate and the rainfall is light.

Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance before visiting Vietnam. Requirements are different for everyone depending on which passport you are traveling on. Click Here for all the information you need to know about obtaining a Vietnamese Visa.

The currency in Vietnam is VND (Vietnamese Dong).  Some hotels and services accept USD which you can use to pay for things when traveling in Vietnam.

The main religion in Vietnam is Buddhism (85%), and other religions are Christianity and Taoism.

WHAT TO PACK FOR VIETNAM

When visiting Vietnam, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you:

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More Vietnam Travel Guides

Click the button below to view all articles related to Vietnam!

FINAL THOUGHTS – BACKPACKING VIETNAM

I hope you enjoyed reading this article and if you have any questions, please drop me a comment below and I will get back to you as soon as I can. For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.

TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!

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THANKS FOR READING

Hey friend, thanks for reading this guide!

Please know this post may contain affiliate links. When making a purchase through one of my links, I earn a small kickback at no extra cost to you and it’s a big help to keep the site up and running. Rest assured, I only promote products and services that I personally use and recommend.

Click here to find out how you can support the site organically .

Many thanks!

10 thoughts on “Vietnam Itinerary – 4 Week Route Guide For 2024”

Awesome blog! Really helpful. My GF & I have just quit our jobs to go travelling round Asia for six months from Jan this year. Can’t wait to explore and tips like these will really help. Keep loving life bro

Thanks for reading and glad you found this guide useful! Enjoy your travels 🙂

Hi. Thnx for such an informative blog My H and I are looking at doing some scooter/motorbike riding in VN …. hoi An to Hanoi and more especially the Ha Giang loop We have AUS bike licenses and have ridden extensively in Bali, ( Nusa Penida roads!!), western and Northern Thailand Chiang Mai, Mai Hong Son and surrounding areas. You mention parts of the Ha Giang road are sketchy. Steep Gravel bends or roads are NOT my friend …. how bad were the roads. ? Windy steep tarmac is fine but gravel I hate. Would appreciate your feedback.

Hi Sue, glad you liked the blog! For memory the majority of the roads are tar-sealed with pot holes etc along the way. There were some gravel sections but easy to navigate and obviously went much slower in these parts. Hope this helps and enjoy!

Thanks for some ideas for iterinary – it would be cool to have more clear division of days/weeks, but still – very nice overview 🙂 Thank you!

Glad you found something of use in the article! Thanks for reading 🙂

Your pictures are GORGEOUS! And your website is amazing – so much great tips and information. Thank you for your great work.

Hi Victoria, glad you loved the article and pictures! Enjoy Vietnam

Oh thanks so very much for that you take your time and do this! I’m going to Vietnam and Cambodia in December with my 3 kids and this was really inspiring and helpful. So I might ask more when the times come.

Take care. Monica

Glad you love it! yes sure, send me a message any time.

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4 days in Hanoi itinerary | The perfect Hanoi city guide

The city of a million motorbikes. Of deliciously toasted bahn mi baguettes bursting with flavour. And of a lake reflecting thousands of multi-coloured lights of every shade. Hanoi is the heartbeat of Vietnam, and a capital city that you just can’t miss. But with so much to see and do, where should you start?  We’ve broken it all down for you based on our own experience in the city, to creating what we hope is the best 4 days in Hanoi itinerary.

Why choose Hanoi?

If you’re going to visit Vietnam, Hanoi has to make your travel itinerary. Even if you’re already made up your mind (and you really should), here are a few good reasons to add Hanoi to your list:

• It’s Vietnam at its finest. Buzzing streets, incredible food markets, easy to access attractions and so much to do that you’re almost spoiled for choice.
• The food. Oh, the food. Whether it’s snacking on bun cha , slurping icy coconut coffee or burning your fingers on steaming hot spring rolls, Vietnam offers some of the best fare in South East Asia, if not the globe.
• It’s connected. Some of the fastest wifi speeds in the region alongside the sheer convenience of ride-hailing apps like Grab make Hanoi an attractive choice for digital nomads and savvy travellers alike.
• It’s cheap as chips. After travelling in South East Asia for 6 months solid, we were surprised that Vietnam ended up being one of the most affordable countries we visited.

Our 4 days in Hanoi itinerary

What should 4 days in Hanoi look like? Our tried and tested itinerary for exploring Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city:

• Day 1: Old Quarter / Drink Coconut Coffee / St Joseph’s Cathedral / Eat Bahn Mi / Go shopping
• Day 2: Street food tour / Phung Hung Mural Street / Dong Xuan Market
• Day 3: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum / Note Café / Water Puppet Show
• Day 4: Cooking Class / Hoa Lo Prison / Hoan Kiem Lake

Getting in from the airport

Chances are you’re landing into Hanoi by air, since there aren’t too many border crossings into the city. So make sure you check out the best deals for your flights with Skyscanner . Based on that, there are a few ways to get into the city centre:

By shuttle : Definitely the most affordable way to get from the airport is to use the shuttle bus, that goes to the Hanoi Old Quarter. When you leave the airport you’ll find a kiosk advertising tickets which costs 40,000 VND (about 1.35 GBP / 1.75 USD per person). It drops you near to Hoan Kiem Lake which is near the Old Quarter, taking about 45 mins (maybe longer if there is bad traffic). The buses depart every 30 to 45 minutes.

By taxi: The simplest way to get from Noi Bai International Airport to the city centre is by taxi. Instead of taking a traditional taxi, we highly recommend you download Grab, the ride-hailing app similar to Uber, which is usually cheaper than metered cabs. The ride will still be pricey – probably around 400,000 VND (approx. 13.50 GBP/ 17.25 USD). If you are taking a normal taxi, make sure they use the meter or at worst agree the fee upfront!

Getting around Hanoi

Hanoi’s city centre is pretty walkable for most – we spent our days mostly on foot but we’re relatively fit 30-something travellers. We’d recommend walking most places so that you get a feel for the city. However, there are other options for getting around:

Motorbike Taxis (Xe Om): We just sang the praises of Grab for the airport transfer and we’ll continue here. You can hail motorbike taxis on Grab which should cost about 20, 000 VND (0.66 GBP/ 0.90 USD) for a short trip. There are also the traditional motorcycle taxis that lurk around most city corners – remember to agree the cost before departing.

Taxis: Hail these off the street and use the meter – you’re looking at about a base price of 10,000 VND (0.33 GBP / 0.45 USD) and about 5,000 VND (0.15 GBP / 0.20 USD) per km. As above, use the Grab app to book a cheaper ride, with a guaranteed fare.

Bus : Liveried in bright red, yellow and white, the busses cover the bigger routes in the city, like the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake and the Mausoleum. Only payable with cash, tickets are VND 5,000 – 10,000 (0.15 – 0.33 GBP/ 0.20 – 0.45 USD)

Cyclo: Want a more authentic Vietnamese experience? You could get into a cyclo but – to be honest – we wouldn’t recommend it. It’s not expensive (about 20, 000 VND / 0.66 GBP / 0.90 USD for an hour) but it’s a tight squeeze. You could use a cyclo to do an Old Quarter tour though, but not really for getting around.

Where to Stay

Hanoi is crammed with great places to stay, to suit every budget. One word of advice – only trust Hanoi hotel reviews from platforms like Agoda , rather than Tripadvisor reviews. The latter are known to be ‘bought’ in Vietnam and therefore not reflective of the property’s value. Here are some of our preferred Hanoi hotels:

Budget : Centrally-located  Little Charm Hanoi Hostel  is great for backpackers as it has good, clean rooms, convenient lockers and friendly staff.

Mid-range : In a great location in the Old Quarter, we like  Hanoi Trendy Hotel and Spa . You get good bang for your buck here: well-sized, air-conditioned, nicely decorated rooms but at a bargain price.

Luxury:  Top of the pile is undoubtedly the  Intercontinental Hotel Hanoi West lake . This hotel provides a welcome break from the manic streets of Hanoi and they even have ‘over-water rooms’ on the lake. Their sunset bar is set on its own island on the lake, really an incredible experience.

Travel Insurance for Vietnam

Got your travel insurance booked? We promise to never push a brand or product we don’t personally use, and the travel cover from Safety Wing is a policy we don’t just use, but we highly recommend. They offer some of the most flexible policies, amazing customer service and are affordable too.

Check out the latest travel insurance prices with Safety Wing here.

Day 1: Wandering the Old Quarter, visiting churches, shopping and eating

Explore the Old Quarter

What better way to explore Hanoi than on foot? Get your sneakers on and traipse the streets of the Old Quarter. You’ll find yourself lost in a warren of stores, cute little cafes and local Hanoi people going about their daily business.

It’s a great mix of colonial architecture and more modern stores; showing Hanoi history throughout the ages.

Drink a Coconut Coffee

Vietnam is pretty famous for its egg coffee. But, for us, the real star of the Vietnamese caffeine line-up is the coconut coffee. This icy dream fuses condensed milk, coconut milk, smooth coffee and ice to create a lip-smackingly delicious drink. The best place to get one is Cong Caphe , a chain of coffee shops dotted throughout the city. Luckily, there is one across from your next location: St Joseph’s Cathedral.

St Joseph’s Cathedral

Built in the late 1800’s, this towering cathedral is meant to resemble Paris’ Notre Dame and, to be frank, this Vietnamese landmark feels almost out of place in crazy Hanoi. An oasis of calm, you’ll love this Gothic Revival cathedral and can even enter it for free. Just go to the right-hand side for the entrance.

Insider Instagram tip: Want to get the below shot for your Instagram feed? Take the street to the right of the cathedral, walk 200m and you’ll find two gorgeous little wall murals that make a great shot. Sometimes there are cars parked in front of them, but perhaps you’ll be lucky like us!

Eat a Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwich)

So it’s probably lunch time by now. And you HAVE to try the famous Vietnamese sandwich, the banh mi . Essentially think of the most delicious French baguette and marry it with Vietnam’s unique flavours and you’ve got a gastronomic match made in heaven. Plus, they are cheap as anything in Hanoi. Our favourite place to eat them is at An Cafe along with one of their signature milkshakes.

Shopping – Made in Vietnam

Belly full of bahn mi ? Head over to the old town and snag yourself a bargain. You might know that many international brands like North Face are made in Vietnam; and you’ll find them at rock bottom prices in little stores around the town. Wanting to go a bit more upmarket? Head to ‘Silk Street’ or Hang Gai street for gorgeous dresses, scarves and shirts.

Day 2: Eating street food, admiring street art and visiting a local market

Do a Street Food Tour

By now you’ve tasted the coffee and the sandwiches but there is so much more to explore when it comes to Vietnam’s amazing street food. The best way to taste it all (well, a lot of it)? A street food tour.

Generally a food tour in Hanoi takes you round the fresh markets and a host of the best street food stalls and vendors in the city. Main attractions include bun cha, a favourite of former US President, Barack Obama! If it’s good enough for Obama, it’s good enough for you, right?

These tasty pork patties are served in a slightly spicy soup alongside rice noodles and fresh lettuce, and you put them together yourself.

You’ll probably also taste delicacies like banh cuon, steaming rice rolls full of minced pork, wood ear mushrooms and shallots or slurp the best pho in Hanoi , another Vietnamese soupy dish. Looking for something a little sweeter? Usually desserts include things like jackfruit and yoghurt or fresh fruit with condensed milk and crushed ice.

There are quite a few options for food tours in Hanoi but we always revert to trusty Get your Guide – we know their Hanoi street food tour is a winner!

Phung Hung – Mural Street

You’ve tasted the best food, why not take in a bit of art? Hanoi has a Mural Street called Phung Hung Street. It was once famous for selling motorbikes (there’s an old motorbike as part of the art), but it is now is a great location to get some street art photos. So, if you are keen on street art, this is a good place to go.

Dong Xuan Market

Maybe you got your shopping fix in yesterday. But why not try a more authentic market today and do more shopping in Hanoi? A ten-minute walk from Phung Hung street is the Dong Xuan market. This is Hanoi’s largest indoor market and here you can get everything from fresh fruit to souvenirs, clothing to electronics. Generally at very low prices, but just make sure you bargain anyway. Keep in mind – like many markets in South East Asia, this market is a little grubby. But it’s all part of the experience, right?

Open: Friday, Saturday and Sunday – 7.00am to midnight, Monday to Thursday – 7.00am to 6.00pm

Train Street *partly closed*

At time of writing, the Train Street had just closed to tourists, hopefully soon to reopen. We believe it’s still worth a visit to look at this renowned street, as parts of it are still accessible even though the train doesn’t go through it. It does have police guard now so you might not be in luck when you arrive.

If you aren’t aware, the Hanoi Train Street is a working railway line which you are able to walk along, with residents selling everything from fruit to souvenirs. We loved heading there and taking a seat in one of the railway side cafes, slurping our mango shakes and waiting for the train.

We’re all awaiting its re-opening.

Day 3: Visit the Mausoleum, post notes at the Note Coffee and see a water puppet show

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

This morning get on down to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the resting place of former Vietnam leader Ho Chi Minh. Make sure you get there early – the place can get particularly busy which makes sense as it’s an important place for the Vietnamese people.

You’ll be able to see Ho’s body embalmed and encased in a glass sarcophagus. More than this, if you arrive early, you might see the changing of the guards at the mausoleum.

Insider Tip: You will have to hand over bags and cameras before entering the mausoleum, so best to leave as much behind as you can. Also, the mausoleum is closed for maintenance each year – make sure you check beforehand. Lastly, there is a strict dress code so cover up if you want to enter.

Open: Tuesday to Sunday – 8.00am to 5.00pm, Monday – 8.00am to 11.15am

Note Coffee

We’re in love with this gorgeous little eatery, located near the Old Quarter and the lake. Why? The Hanoi Note Coffee shop is papered in post-it notes – they cover every available surface in the café; whether chairs, walls or even the ceiling! The notes are written by patrons and you’ll be encouraged to write your own snappy sonnets and stick them up.

We could spend many an hour here reading the funny, sad and generally interesting notes around the place. More than that, they turn out a mean iced tea and a flaky, warm, chocolatey croissant that has this writer salivating as she pens this…

Open: Daily 6.30am to 11.00pm

See a Water Puppet Show

It’s a must-do on any Hanoi itinerary – checking out a water puppet show. This ancient show dates back to the 11 th century when villagers would put puppets on their fishing rods, to distract themselves from the flooding of their rice paddies.

Nowadays you’re not seeing the show in a rice field but rather in a theatre which has a central water pool. Set to rousing music, you’ll see short little plays based on Vietnamese legends that will have you captivated.

This is a popular activity so make sure to get tickets in advance. You can buy your tickets here .

Day 4: Taking a cooking class, visiting the Hoa Lo prison and watching the sun set at Hoan Kiem Lake

Learn the art of Vietnamese cuisine in a cooking class

It’s your final day in Hanoi and – like us – you probably don’t want to leave. So let’s make your last day in the capital one to remember and one that you can take home with you.

What better way to do that than to learn how to recreate some of the fabulous dishes you ate in Hanoi? We’re recommending you do a cooking class and learn the intricacies of Vietnamese cuisine for your own kitchen.

We recommend this cooking class , which fills up quickly so make sure you book in advance.

Visit the Hoa Lo Prison Museum (Hanoi Hilton)

This museum, known by some by it’s slightly tongue-in-cheek nickname, the Hanoi Hilton, showcases the terrible suffering of the Vietnamese under the colonial French government.

The prison itself was bulldozed in the 1990’s but the museum still showcases some of the relics from the previous complex including a gruesome guillotine. This is a more sobering side of Vietnamese history so be prepared for a more sombre visit.

Hoàn Kiếm Lake

If you haven’t been there already, we suggest you take a stroll from the Note Coffee to this lake, as the sun starts to set. Around 6.00pm every night you’ll see Hanoi locals winding down from their day at points alongside the water’s edge.

Whether it’s groups of ladies doing dance or aerobics classes, elderly gents practising their Tai Chi or a cross-section of cultures taking a jog around its perimeter, it’s a fascinating place to spend the evening.

You’ll also be rewarded with some great shots. The bright, multi-coloured lights bounce off the water to create some incredible reflections. Make sure you have your camera handy! The Hoan Kiem area also boasts some of the best bars in Hanoi , including Skyline and Bar +84.

More things to do in Hanoi

Don’t like our itinerary above? We couldn’t cover everything in just 4 days in Hanoi, so have a long list of other fun things to do in Hanoi. Swap out some of our suggestions with these:

Want to see more of the city? Do a free Hanoi city tour, run by local students.

Looking for a bit more culture? You could visit the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, the Temple of Literature or check out the Opera House.

Interested in museums? Wander the halls of the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum or the Museum of Ethnology.

Want to admire temples? You could visit the One Pillar Pagoda, Ngoc Son Pagoda or the Tran Quoc Pagoda.

Enjoy being on 2 wheels? One of the lesser-known ways to explore Hanoi is via bicycle! Check out this great Hanoi Highlights tour .

Got a weekend in Hanoi? Every weekend (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) Hanoi’s Old Quarter turns into a buzzing night market full of roadside stalls and food hawkers.

Interactive 4 days in Hanoi itinerary Map

Bonus: Day trips from Hanoi Vietnam

Whether you’re trying to find out where to travel from Hanoi or just looking for a few ideas for day trips, here are some places you could add onto your itinerary, within easy distance of the city.

If you love trekking and quieter hillside towns, Sapa is for you. Set over the rice fields of the Muong Hoa Valley, Sapa (or Sa Pa) has loads of hikes and guided tours . You can take a boat trip on Lake Sapa, travel the Tram Ton Pass, check out the Silver Waterfalls and walk the Valley, the gem of Sapa and the Tonkinese Alps.

If you want to head there from Hanoi, you can take a private transfer or do a 2 day bus tour.

Just need to book a bus to Sapa? Check out the handy tool below.

Halong Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay

The limestone karsts of Halong Bay are world famous but, if it was up to us, we’d suggest you head to Bai Tu Long Bay instead. The quieter cousin to Halong Bay, you’ll only find yourself with a handful of other cruises, in a more serene atmosphere.

We’ve written an entire rundown of what you can expect in our Bai Tu Long Bay guide but, in short, you could book a berth with a company like Paloma Cruises , who offer pick up and drop off between Hanoi to Halong Bay.

Ninh Binh (or Tam Coc)

Arguably our favourite place in all of Vietnam, Ninh Binh is a very special location. Called the ‘Halong Bay on land’, Ninh Binh (or rather the small nearby town of Tam Coc), has some spectacular landscapes. Cruise down the Trang An river and explore the caves, get a local boatsman to row you with their feet down the Tam Coc river or hike up Hang Mua to see the epic viewpoint, or the cave below.

You can get a full day trip out to Tam Coc with Get your Guide.

We’ve actually got more information on all of the above bonus towns in both our 10 days in Vietnam itinerary as well as our extended 3 weeks in Vietnam travel guide , if you’re like some further reading.

What camera equipment and other gear do we use?

We’re living proof that you don’t need the most expensive gear to travel the world and take good photos. Here are some of our must have items that make it into the packing list for all our travels.

• Main Camera: Panasonic Lumix FZ1000
• Drone: DJI Mavic Air – Fly More Combo
• GoPro: Hero 7 Black
• GoPro Dive Case: Go Pro Housing
• GoPro Case: Smatree GoPro Carry Case – Small
• Packing Cubes: Eagle Creek Packing case
• Backpack: Osprey Farpoint 70
• Powerbank: Anker Powercore
• Phone: Xiaomi Mi 9
• Hard drive: Transcend Slim Storejet 2TB
• Laptop: Lenovo IdeaPad 720s
• Headphones: Bose Quiet Comfort 35
• Wifi Hotspot: GlocalMe G4

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to go to Hanoi?

Definitely spring, which runs from February to April and autumn/fall which is October and November. Expect humid weather most of the year, or very high rainfall in summer and winter.

Is Hanoi safe to travel?

Absolutely – it’s generally rare to see serious crimes against travellers. That said, exercise caution after dark and watch out for pickpockets in busier streets.

Is 4 days in Hanoi enough?

In our opinion, yes. There are so many incredible places to explore in Vietnam so if you spend 4 days in Hanoi, hopefully you have a few more days to allocate to another amazing town.

We hope you enjoyed our 4 days in Hanoi Vietnam itinerary? Did we miss anything? Let us know what to do in Hanoi in the comments or get in touch !

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Super extensive post! We LOVED Hanoi 🙂

Thanks guys, glad that you found our Hanoi itinerary useful! We can’t wait to go back to Hanoi and Vietnam soon…

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A Beijing Itinerary | 4 days in China’s bustling capital

Beijing is massive. Third largest city in the world kind of massive. So how do you fit all that you need to see in the ancient city, formerly known as Peking? Well, we hope that…

A 4-day itinerary in South Vietnam – All you need to know

The first itinerary for 4 days in South Vietnam best suits those who want to escape from the bustle and hustle of crowded cities for relaxing and refreshing. It is recommended for families with kids. The latter is a great idea for the wild spirits that are eager to explore the unusual, mysterious corners of the far regions. The Southern region of Vietnam is awaiting! 

Table of Contents

Itinerary 1: Ho Chi Minh City – Phan Thiet Beach Relax 4 days

Day 1: ho chi minh city arrival.

Source: Instagram @thuong.ektar

The journey’s first destination is one of the biggest and most popular places for traveling in Vietnam – Ho Chi Minh City. The city is a mixture of ancient and modern features. You will be taken from Tan Son Nhat Airpot to the center of the city. Next, you will wander around some famous tourist attractions by car. 

The Reunification Palace

Source: Lux Travel DMC

Location: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Ben Thanh, District 1. Opening hours: 7:30 – 11:00/ 13:00 – 16:00 Ticket: Adult: 40,000 VND Child: 20,000 VND

The Reunification Palace is the top choice historic site in the city which used to be the Vietnam General Ngo Dinh Diem’s base until he passed away in 1963. This national relic witnessed many major historical events as it was an important headquarter of the Saigon government. The photograph of a Vietnamese army tank smashing the palace’s gate to facilitate the Communist force getting in on April 30, 1945, later became iconic. The Reunification Palace architecture is typical of the 60s Western and Eastern styles. Nowadays, you can reach most areas of the place ranging from meeting rooms, the telecommunications center, the warren of tunnels to the President’s chamber with the displays of artifacts and artworks. 

Notre Dame Cathedral

Location: 01 Cong Xa Paris, District 1. Opening hours: 6:00 – 20:00

Just a few steps from the Reunification Palace, The Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the remaining sites of Catholicism constructed by the French colonists in Vietnam. It consists of 2 twin bell towers topped with crosses. Notre Dame Cathedral combines neo-Romanesque features with red bricks and colorful glass windows. In front of the Cathedral stands a Virgin Mary’s statue. Notre Dame Cathedral is now the most prominent religious destination for both the local and the visitors.  

Saigon Central Post Office  

Location: 2 Cong Xa Paris, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1. Opening hours: 7:00 – 19:00

Right next to the Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Central Post Office is the grandest of its kind in Vietnam and perhaps in other Southeast Asian countries. It is outstanding with the unique Renaissance and French colonial architecture. The impressive complex consists of the bright yellow exterior, arched windows, green shutters, marble floors, and wooden countertops. There is a huge clock visible at the entrance of the Post Office while at the far end of the place is a portrait of President Ho Chi Minh. For those who are into taking pictures, it is a wonderful backdrop for your perfect photo shoots. 

You will have some free time to explore the iconic Ben Thanh market which is located on Le Loi Street, District 1.

The market will be closed at 19:00 so take your time wandering around the place. You can find many vendors that sell ready-to-eat foods and local specialties. Different types of coffee and the filters for a true Vietnamese spirit are available in the market. There are also dried fruits, seafood, snacks and sauces in the food area.

Ben Thanh market is a heaven of colorful fabrics and silks for your favorite “ao dai”. At another corner of the place, there are outlets of eye-catching handicrafts, accessories and some cute magnets as souvenirs. 

In the evening, you will have your dinner and stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City – Phan Thiet beach escape 

After finishing a 6-hour trip traveling from Ho Chi Minh city to Phan Thiet beach, you will have your lunch which is, of course, the seafood specialty from the local restaurant then arrive at your hotel for check-in. 

Mui Ne Fishing Village

Location: Huynh Thuc Khang Street, Mui Ne, Phan Thiet City.

Settled on the northern side of Mui Ne Bay, the Fishing Village possesses a mesmerizing view of the long coastline with glittering golden sands and lines of green palm trees. 

It is highly recommended to get up early in the morning for sightseeing the fishing harbor. You will be amazed by the colorful sunrise blending with local fishermen whose boats are full of crabs, shrimps, and fish ready for purchasing. Walking towards the Southern end, there is an area stuffed with clams and seashells in different shapes. If you have your kids with you, this might be their cup of tea. 

White Sand dunes

Location: Hoa Thang, Bac Binh, Binh Thuan. 

26 kilometers away from the Mui Ne Beach, the giant White Sand dunes Mui Ne is famous for its photogenic scenery. It is one of the only deserts in Asia with an expanse of sands and barren lands, a “sandy paradise”. The breath-taking view here is best to snap your pictures. You can either walk or rent a quad bike to explores all corners. 

Another activity that you can join is sand sliding. Or else, a hot balloon tour to achieve the full view of the White Sand dunes is recommended but the price is a bit higher. The exciting part of the trip is that you can find a lotus lake at the center of the hot and dry desert.

Day 3: Phan Thiet beach relax

You will have your breakfast at the hotel before having a full day to enjoy and take a sunbath on the beach. The beach is liveliest in the afternoon when it is crowded with people at all ages. Kids fly kites or build sandcastles on the seashore, old men go jogging while adults immersing in the water. Furthermore, you can try some thrilling water sports. 

In the evening, you can rent a tandem bicycle to explore the city by yourself or book an electric car instead. Similarly, drinking fresh coconut juice while enjoying the breezy atmosphere of the beach cannot be missed out. 

There are continuing outlets of clothes and souvenirs along the street. Like any other beaches, Phan Thiet beach offers a range of stores that sell dried squids, shrimps, and different types of fish sauces. 

Day 4: Phan Thiet – Ho Chi Minh City – Departure

It is your last day in the city. You will have breakfast at the hotel then check out to prepare for your flight. Turning back to Tan Son Nhat airport in Ho Chi Minh City from Phan Thiet will take you about 6 hours. Have a safe flight!

What to eat during 4 days in South Vietnam?

Banh mi/ bread.

Needless to say, the well-known Vietnamese “Banh mi” has many different flavors. In Ho Chi Minh city, you can find bread anywhere ranging from bread with egg, bread with pork or even bread with crispy squid rings which are just under 1$. 

Com tam (broken rice)

This dish is the harmonization of rice, barbecued flavored pork ribs, fried egg, green onions, and many other ingredients. 

Bun thit nuong

Bun thit nuong is a type of vermicelli rice noodle served with bean sprouts, spring rolls, pickles, and grilled pork, etc. 

The traditional cake is made of rice powder for the crispy taste and topped with an egg. The flavor is strengthened with fish sauce.  

Best time to travel

You can come to Ho Chi Minh anytime you want. As the southern end of a tropical country, Ho Chi Minh is quite hot in the summer. 

It often rains heavily in Phan Thiet between July and August. Thus, it is not a good time to go swimming. The best time of the year is from January to May. 

Early in the morning and late in the afternoon are the most beautiful periods of the day to enjoy the fascinating view of sunrise and sunset in Phan Thiet beach and the White Sand dunes. Those periods of the day are perfect to escape the heat of the summer.

Notes for 4-day in south Vietnam 

Those historical and ritual sites such as the Reunification Palace and the Notre Dame Cathedral are very strict about clothes regulations, so remember to avoid short skirts, tank top, and skin-showing clothes when coming to those places. 

Itinerary 2: Best of Mekong Delta 4 days

Day 1: saigon (ho chi minh city) – vinh long – can tho.

The first destination of the itinerary is Ho Chi Minh city. You will arrive at the hotel for check-in and meet the tour guide there. The tour proceeds to the Mekong Delta by boat then arrive at the town of Vinh Long. Along the canal, you can immerse yourself in nature. 

To continue, we will visit local people with their orchards, fruit plantation as well as brick and pottery factory. The local will warmly welcome you with the traditional Southern music performances. The lunch in Mekong Delta is highlighted by the “Elephant ear fish” dish. 

Later, you will rejoin the car drive to the hub of Mekong Delta – Can Tho city then spend your night here. 

Day 2: Can Tho

After having your breakfast at the hotel, start a leisurely cruise to Cai Rang Floating Market which is famous for its unusual operation. 

Cai Rang market’s meeting is on the water with hundreds of boats full of fruits, agricultural products, and various food. The sample of the products is hung on a stick from the highest part of the boat so that customers know what they are looking for. 

You are free in the afternoon to take advantage of the Victoria Resort Can Tho for relaxing, refreshing and spending your night here.

Option for Early Bird: Sunrise Breakfast on the Mekong Princess Cruise

On the next day, do not miss out the stunning view of the sunset while having your breakfast on Mekong Princess Cruise. 

The breakfast is often served at 6:30 am. After having your light meals, get ready to come to the Cai Rang Floating market. When arriving there, visitors will get in another local traditional boat to wandering around the market. Next, the guide will take you to the noodle factory and a fruit orchard. You can try many types of fruit with a humble entrance fee. Finally, you will get back to the hotel by boat through some canals. 

Day 3: Can Tho – Chau Doc

It takes you 4 hours to leave Can Tho for Chau Doc whose location is right on the banks of Bassac river, near the border of Campuchia. The guide will introduce you to the Bang Lang bird sanctuary, the incense stick village as well as the crocodile farm. 

In the afternoon, you will be taken to the floating fish farm and the weaving Cham village by sampan boat. During the cruise, the harmonization of bird sounds, insect and animals combining with the breezy vibe of nature will ease your tired soul. 

From the boat, there is a small “monkey bridge” connecting to the mainland. The village preserves a 100-year-old loom. You can see a lot of colorful and bright woven scarves and head wraps which you can buy as gifts here. 

Before spending your night at Victoria Hotel Chau Doc, you will have a chance to visit Sam Mountain to watch the sunset. 

Day 4: Chau Doc – Ho Chi Minh city

You will be served with a buffet breakfast at Chau Doc before returning to Ho Chi Minh city. The last destination is the town of My Tho where you can take a boat to explore the 4 pretty islets which are named after 4 sacred animals Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise. Barely any people know the places so you can take time to enjoy the unique experience. 

What to eat?

Hu tieu nam vang (nam vang noodle soup).

This noodle comes with shrimp, pork, quail egg, seafood and must-have ingredients – ground pork and pig’s organ for the distinctive broth. 

Lau ca keo (Goby fish hot pot)

This dish is made of goby fish, tomatoes, pig’s bones, and other vegetables for a fresh, spicy and unforgettable taste.

Pia cake is a round dessert whose crust is made from wheat flour and tapioca flour. Inside the cake is sticky rice flour combined with salted duck egg, pork fat and ground mungbean. Sometimes Pia cake comes up with durian flavor. However, not everyone can stand the smell.

There is also the coconut worms that are only recommended for the wild ones.

Best time to travel 

The rainy season in Mekong Delta starts from May to August. The best time to visit Mekong Delta is between September and November as it is the floating season here. The period from April to June after the rainy season is fine. 

• It is quite hot all year round so you should bring clothes that can stand the heat and humidity. A small umbrella or hat and a reusable water bottle are recommended.
• Do not swim in the river. You can pick up leeches and parasites instead.
• You should bring insect repellent as most of the destinations are near or within the forest.
• For most of them, there is no tour guide available except the Reunification Palace if you did not book in advance. Let Lux Travel DMC become your companion.

About Lux Travel DMC

We are the first luxury tour operator in the region. Our team always try our best to customize a tour plan that satisfies even the pickiest customer. We promise to give you high-end accommodation, deluxe vehicles, and knowledgeable tour guides. With 15 years of experience, we are honored with the satisfaction rate of 99% and positive feedback on TripAdvisor.

Feel free to contact us for more information on the Lux Travel DMC website .

Huyen Nguyen

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How to Spend 4 Weeks in Vietnam from South to North

• Post author: Kieren
• Post last modified: January 6, 2021
• Post category: Vietnam

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Vietnam is a gem of Southeast Asia, with sweeping landscapes, mouthwatering cuisine and eclectic cities bustling with culture, there’s no destination quite like it.

I spent 4 weeks in Vietnam as part of my 4 month backpacking trip throughout the region , here is my ultimate itinerary starting in Ho Chi Minh city in the South and finishing in Hanoi in the North. This route will give you an overview of the country with cities, countryside and even some time on water included.

This itinerary is 25 nights, allowing enough time either side for you to arrive and leave the country within your 4 week trip.

1. Ho Chi Minh City

My 4 week itinerary begins in Ho Chi Minh city, formerly known as Saigon. Although it’s not the capital, it’s the largest city in Vietnam by population and certainly the most challenging to get around with more motorbikes than people. It’s also got a thriving nightlife with plenty going on down Bui Vien Street in district 1, also known as backpacker street.

Where to stay? I recommend Hideout hostel for daily free beer and a great atmosphere with other travellers. The hostel will help you plan visits to most of HCMC’s main attractions and evening activities allow you to explore backpacker street in safe hands.

Check my full guide of the best hostels in Ho Chi Minh City

Top Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City

CU CHI TUNNELS – The Cu Chi Tunnels are an underground network of tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam war. These can be visited from Ho Chi Minh City where you’ll see exhibits that demonstrate life in the tunnels and you’ll get to try a firsthand experience in a tunnel (albeit a slightly larger tunnel that is widened for tourists!).

WAR REMNANTS MUSEUM – This museum explores the devastating impacts that the Vietnam war has left on the country with over 13 different exhibition areas dedicated to telling the story. If you’re not familiar with the Vietnam war, I’d recommend you learn the basics before you visit as the exhibits get intense very quickly.

VISIT THE MEKONG DELTA – The Mekong Delta, known as the rice bowl of Vietnam, is an area where the Mekong river flows into the South China Sea through a massive network of distributaries. The locals have adapted to life on water utlising boats for transportation and floating markets. You could easily spend a few days exploring this region but to allow enough time in the rest of the country, I recommend sticking to a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City.

BEN THANH STREET FOOD MARKET – Ben Thanh market itself is great to visit during your stay, here you’ll find everyday items as well as souvenirs at a super cheap price. However, the highlight is the street food market where a variety of cuisines from across the world are available from several vendors in a food hall style building, needless to say I returned a number of times.

In the highlands of Southern Vietnam lies the city of Dalat. One of the most noticeable things when you arrive here is the cooler climate than the rest of the country which makes a nice change. The city is known for its canyoning which is a must-do activity, but you should also try and explore outside the city where an array of waterfalls, farms and coffee plantations are waiting to be discovered.

Where to stay? Here are my top hostel recommendations for Dalat

Top Things to Do in Dalat

THE CRAZY HOUSE – This bizarre piece of architecture is hard to explain. Imagine taking an Alice in Wonderland style adventure through odd rooms with themes such as underwater and forests, all connected by crazy staircases that twist and turn around the inside and outside of the building. You need to visit to understand.

ALPINE ROLLER COASTER – This self-propelled roller coaster is built through the forest and is the best way of reaching the waterfalls at the bottom. It is 1-2 people per carriage, and you control the acceleration and breaking yourself, which adds a whole new element of fun.

CANYONING – This was my number 1 experience in Vietnam, a day of abseiling down waterfalls, zip lining into rivers and cliff jumping (although I bailed on the last one). I wrote a full post about the day with tips of which company to use.

From Dalat to Hoi An – The cheapest and most convenient way to get between these two cities is via an overnight bus, I left around 5pm and arrived in Hoi An around 7am. It is also possible to take a faster train from Nha Trang although you would still need to get a bus to Nha Trang so there is little benefit.

Hoi An might officially be a city, but it has the feel of a small town. The city is known across the region for its lanterns, with most of the lanterns in Vietnam originating from the workshops here. The old town area itself is brimming with cute places to discover and the night market has plenty of local delicacies to try.

Where to stay? I recommend one of the Tribee hostels , you’ll have access to all their facilities including a pool, free and unlimited spring roll classes and a fantastic bar with free booze and parties. The Tribee street food tour is well worth attending and will take you to some of the best spots, all for free.

Top Things to Do in Hoi An

LANTERN CRAFTING WORKSHOP – When you’re in the city of lanterns, you need to make a lantern yourself. There are several workshops across the city that will teach you to craft a lantern and allow you to decorate it as well, this makes for great souvenirs.

CYCLE THROUGH TRA QUE VEGETABLE VILLAGE – I woke up early one morning, rented a bicycle and took a ride through the vegetable village where they still grow all their vegetables by hand. It might not sound very exciting, but I felt like I was seeing the real Vietnam.

VINPEARL LAND WATER PARK – There is an incredible brand new waterpark just a 30 minute drive from the main city called VinPearl Land. It’s both a waterpark with huge slides, a theme park with rollercoasters and a huge amusement arcade all in one – get there early to make the most of the day.

4. Hai Van Pass

If you’re a keen motorbike, then you may want to consider doing the entire journey by bike. However, for me just a glimpse at biking through Vietnam was enough. The best part of this itinerary to experience on a bike is between Hoi An and Hue, this includes the Hai Van Pass which was made famous when top gear visited and described it as “the best coastal road in the world” .

Because it’s such a popular journey, there are a number of businesses that now allow you to rent a motorbike in Hoi An and drop it off in Hue , they will even transport your backpack for you so that you can concentrate on enjoying the ride. It will take the best part of a full day if you plan to enjoy some of the best stops along the way.

Hue will be your stopping off point after the Hai Van Pass but I recommend one full day in the city to explore it’s historic importance before you move on. Right in the middle of Vietnam, Hue has played a key role in the history of the region having been the capital of the Dang Trong Kingdom in the 18 th century and of the Nguyen Dynasty throughout the 19 th century as well as a key battleground during the Vietnam war.

Top Things to Do in Hue

THE IMPERIAL CITY – At the center of Hue is Hue Citadel, a fortress where the emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty lived and worked. Today, the massive complex features monuments and ruins for tourists’ pleasure.

ABANDONED WATER park – Originally opened in 2004, Ho Thuy Tien water park was soon abandoned with financial difficulties often being cited as the reason. With graffiti everywhere, overgrown greenery and smashed glass, it’s like looking into a post-apocalyptic world, well worth an afternoon.

ROYAL TOMBS – Hue is surrounded by elaborate tombs of foregone emperors which were usually designed by the emperors themselves before they died. Today, many lay in a poor state although some have been renovated – either way, it’s worth a visit.

6. Phong Nha

By now, you’ll be more than halfway through your 4 weeks in Vietnam so it’s time to get out and enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the north.

The small town of Phong Nha in Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park earnt its place on the map with Son Doog cave, officially the world’s biggest natural cave. Whilst the $3000 price tag for a tour is enough to put most backpackers off, that doesn’t mean you should discount Phong Nha. There are plenty of more affordable caves to visit and the surrounding scenery is beautiful making it a great place to hire a bike and explore the countryside.

Where to stay? Easily the best hostel in Phong Nha is Easy tiger hostel with live music and a great bar.

Top Things to Do in Phong Nha

THE DARK CAVE – This was my favourite caving experience in Vietnam. Reaching the dark cave involves zip lining down to the entrance, once inside you’ll realise why it’s called the dark cave. Enjoy a messy mud bath with your fellow cavers before rowing upstream back to the entrance.

THE DUCK STOP – Don’t miss the duck stop, simultaneously weird and hilarious. At this farm you can have a foot massage from ducks and ride a buffalo like a pro Vietnamese farmer. Whilst there, make sure you visit the nearby Bar with the cold beer (it’s actual name) which is known for allowing guests to choose their own chicken and kill it before it’s freshly prepared.

PHONG NHA CAVE TOUR – The tour through Phong Nha cave is a totally different experience to the Dark Cave. On a boat of about 15 people, you’ll be taken through a stretch of caves that’s lit up by floodlights, allowing you to witness the great detail of the 400 million year old limestone with a short opportunity to explore some of the areas by foot.

From Phong Nha to Ninh Binh – I recommend taking the overnight bus to Ninh Binh. The journey is 7 hours with buses usually leaving around 9pm, this means you’ll arrive very early in Ninh Binh so secure accommodation before you leave and make sure they will be able to check you in at 5am. Don’t worry, they will be used to this as many backpackers follow this method.

7. Ninh Binh

I can see why Ninh Binh is referred to as ‘Ha Long Bay on land’, with stunning limestone cliffs protruding from the ground making a beautiful landscape. If you take the overnight bus as suggested, you’ll arrive early in Ninh Binh so 2 nights should be enough here.

Top Things to Do in Ninh Binh

TRANG AN OR TAM COC BOAT TRIP – There are two great opportunities for boat trips in Ninh Binh, Trang An and Tam Coc. I personally visited Trang An, here we were rowed around in between enormous limestone rocks in a small 4 person boat, stopping at temples, caves and the set of King Kong skull island along the way.

HANG MUA CAVES VIEWPOINT – The viewpoint at the top of Hang Mua caves was probably one of the best views I saw in Vietnam. Once you climb the 500 steps up the jagged rocks, the view is incredible – a must-do activity.

8. Cat Ba Island

Cat Ba is the largest island in the Ha Long Bay area and is fast becoming a popular alternative to Ha Long City as a jumping off point for boat tours around the iconic bay. I choose to visit Cat Ba over Ha Long after recommendations from locals and it proved to be a good decision.

Top Things to Do in Cat Ba

LAN HA BAY CRUISE – After recommendations from travellers and locals, I forwent a traditional Ha Long Bay cruise in favour of a Lan Ha Bay cruise. Both are part of the same geographical area, only they are in different provinces of Vietnam. Lan Ha Bay cruises are far cheaper, less crowded and often they will venture out as far as Ha Long Bay anyway.

HIKING IN CAT BA NATIONAL PARK – The vast majority of Cat Ba island is jungle which you’ll notice as you make the journey towards the main town area. This makes for some great hiking opportunities in Cat Ba National park with the Lookout Tower Trail being one of the most popular routes which will reward you with a fantastic viewpoint, although it’s no longer possible to climb the tower itself.

The final stop on my 4 week Vietnam itinerary is the capital city itself, Hanoi. Built on the banks of the Red River, the city is chaotic and noisy with plenty of areas to explore. Look out for beer as cheap as 5,00 VND (about £0.20) and enough Bahn Mi stalls to keep you fed for a lifetime.

Where to stay? I recommend Central Backpackers Hostel , particularly great for solo travellers with a bustling bar and free beer. Check my full list of favourite hostels in Hanoi for more options.

Top Things to Do in Hanoi

TRAIN STREET – With a single track that sees speeding trains run inches away from the doorways and dining areas of independent shops and restaurants, train street has become a hot spot for anyone visiting Hanoi and is top of the list when it comes to insta-worthy photos.

THE NOTE CAFE – A little favourite of mine was the Note Cafe, a 4 story cafe that is entirely decorated by post it notes with messages from previous customers. Everything from the chairs to the ceiling fans had a note, some were deep and meaningful, others were just hilarious.

WEEKEND WALKING STREET – On Friday and Saturday evenings, many of the main roads around the lake are closed off to vehicles to make way for a night market. The entertainment varies each weekend, but you can guarantee some sort of singing or dancing performance along with streets lined full of stalls selling everything from clothes to food.

Extend Your Stay

This 4 week itinerary for Vietnam is based on my own experience and within the confines of a 30 day visa. If you have less time, here is a great 10 day Vietnam itinerary , but if you have longer there’s plenty of other things to see and do. Here are a few suggestions:

PHU QUOC – This island in the south of Vietnam is known for sandy beaches and beautiful sunsets.

HA GIANG LOOP – Known across the region, this 4 day motorcycle loop from Ha Giang is full of beautiful landscapes, winding roads and the renowned Ma Pi Leng Pass.

SAPA TREKKING – Also in the north of the country, Sapa is known for it’s hiking trails, from half day up to three days, there’s a trek for all abilities and you can stay with local families in one of the many homestays to enhance the experience.

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4 Days 3 Nights in Ho Chi Minh City Trip Itinerary

It can be said that a trip to Vietnam is not complete without a visit to Ho Chi Minh City . This big and interesting city, previously known as Saigon, attracts many tourists with a wide selection of things to see and do. Our 4 Days 3 Nights in Ho Chi Minh City trip itinerary can help you plan your journey to this magnificent city.

As we didn’t have much time to spend in Ho Chi Minh City, we just took a quick look at Saigon and its historic French-colonial landmarks. We’ve also traveled up the gorgeous Mekong River by boat and visited the fascinating historical tunnels reminding of the war.

Ho Chi Minh City Trip Itinerary

Check for the best things to see and do in Ho Chi Minh City that we managed to fit into our 4 days 3 nights trip itinerary and how to take the most out of your limited time in the city.

Day 1: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City

Evening : Our Ho Chi Minh City trip began in the evening as we were flying from Da Nang  and arrived at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) around 18:00. As we were running out of local currency (Vietnamese Dong), we’ve decided to exchange some money right at the airport. To our surprise, we’ve managed to get a really good exchange rate at Ho Chi Minh Airport .

During our travels, we often prefer using public transportation for getting around the cities so taking one of Saigon Airport Buses  was our choice. As we’ve decided to stay in the backpackers’ area, taking Airport Bus No. 109 from Tan Son Nhat Airport to our hotel in the center of Ho Chi Minh City was the most convenient route. It cost us only 20,000 VND per person to get from the airport to city center.

As traffic was jammed in several places on the way, it took us more than 1 hour to arrive and finally check-in at the hotel. Our hotel was located in an alley nearby Phan Ngo Street but it was enough far away from the bustling and noisy road. The location was great but the same couldn’t be said about the hotel as we booked a room with the view and paid extra for it but we got one without any normal window.

Choosing the right place to stay is an essential thing during short trips as it helps not to waste much time for getting around the city. We’ve concluded the guide to the best places to stay in Ho Chi Minh City  where you can find not only best areas of the city bus also recommendations of budget, mid-range and luxury hotels so you could find a place to suit your price range.

If you are a first-timer in Ho Chi Minh City, choosing the hotel near the city center  is recommended as it will help you to facilitate transportation and visit the main attractions easily. The center of Saigon is also the place where you can find various tourist targeting activities, organized tours, currency exchange booths, restaurants and everything else you might need during your stay.

After leaving our bags at the hotel, we went out for dinner.

Ho Chi Minh City is the sleepless city so late night is definitely the time to go out to enjoy the atmosphere of the bustling city. People say that visiting Saigon without experiencing city’s nightlife is like going to Hanoi not trying its worldwide famous Pho.

We headed to Bui Vien Street, the street filled with neon lights, bars playing music, and people having fun and eating all the culinary delights of Saigon cuisine as well as tasting local beers. This is definitely the place to spend the night out in Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight : Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City - Khoi 2 Hotel

We were not satisfied with our stay at this hotel but the location was really good so we would strongly suggest you to find another hotel in the same area. Some of the best rated affordable accommodations in that area:

Lestar Hotel Saigon 1

Summer Taste Homestay

Day 2: Exploring Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is not only an important economic, educational, cultural, and technological center of Vietnam but also a famous tourist destination with various tourist attractions . On the second day of our trip we went out to explore Saigon’s most famous landmarks and monuments.

Morning : We woke up early in the morning to enjoy the fresh and peaceful atmosphere before the city starts its hustle and bustle of daily life. We walked along the streets of Saigon to find the place for trying real local breakfast. Plenty of options can be found on the streets and local breakfast costs just from 10,000-25,000 VND.

After the breakfast, we started touring the city’s historical landmarks. We started from Saigon Opera House on Lam Son Street which has been used for political gatherings such as the National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.

Next to it two exceptional hotels are located - Continental Hotel Saigon  and Caravelle Hotel Saigon , which was the most popular hotel in Southern Vietnam among correspondents during the Vietnam War as they often gathered there to sip a glass of wine at the bar on the 10th floor.

Next, we went to Dong Khoi Street to see Notre Dame Cathedral, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful buildings in all of Vietnam, built with red bricks imported from Marseille.

Close by is Saigon Post Office. This landmark is beautifully preserved by the Vietnamese people since French colonial times.

We also stopped by at Ho Chi Minh City's Book Street. This place is nice and cool area for a stroll and having a refreshment drink.

Afternoon: After lunch at the local restaurant, we went to War Remnants Museum on Vo Van Tan Street. This is a specialized museum for researching, collecting, storing, preserving and displaying of documents, military aircrafts, weaponry and images taken during two wars against France and the United States. If you are into museums, check the list of must-see museums in Ho Chi Minh City  for other great places to visit during your stay.

Next, we went for sightseeing at the Independence Palace (Reunification Palace) which was the residence of the President of South Vietnam until the end of the war in April 1975.

Lastly, we ended up at Ben Thanh Market. The market is selling everything you might need from clothing, household items to food so you can definitely find souvenirs here to bring back home.

Not far from Ben Thanh Market, you can visit Mariamman Temple. This Hindu temple stands out with its special Indian architecture.

Evening: We headed to Bitexco Financial Tower, once the tallest building in the city. This building has an observation deck that offers some of the most impressive views of Ho Chi Minh City. We took the elevator to the 49th floor to Saigon Deck , where we could see the 360-degree view of city streets, rivers, and most famous landmarks. There are also several bars and restaurants in the tower, but their prices are quite high.

We prefer more local food experience so we went to Ben Thanh Street Food Market, where you can find all kinds of Vietnamese food at very reasonable prices. The food in Saigon is delightfully different from other regions in Vietnam so make sure to try as many as you can from the list of Must-Try Dishes in Ho Chi Minh City .

Overnight : Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City - Ben Thanh Retreats Hotel

Day 3: Day Trip to Mekong Delta

On our third day in Saigon, we decided to explore the region to experience the uniqueness of Mekong Delta canals. We booked the Full Day Excursion To Mekong Delta  online and got a great discount for the trip to see the natural beauty of Southern Vietnam.

Morning: We departed from Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho City by air-conditioned bus. Along both sides of the road, we could see endless rice fields and the countryside of Vietnam.

It took us about 2 hours to reach the first destination on our trip which was Vinh Trang Pagoda, the largest and most distinctive temple in the Mekong Delta.

After leaving Vinh Trang Pagoda, we headed to My Tho wharf, boarded the boat, cruised along Tien River and stopped at Tortoise Island for lunch.

Afternoon: After lunch, we got back to the boat and went to visit local coconut candy makers and got a chance to try local scorpion wine as well as get some photos with the local python.

After that, we were taken by rowboats through small canals to explore the surroundings up close.

Later we visited the homestay, enjoyed seasonal fruits and lemon honey tea there. We also got a chance to listen to Southern folk music before going back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Full review of our journey to Mekong Delta can be found here: Mekong Delta Day Trip from Ho Chi Minh City [Review] .

Evening: Depending on your inspiration (as well as your budget), there are many amazing things to do in Ho Chi Minh City at night .

You can learn more about Vietnamese culture through the show. If you want to experience a water puppet show in Ho Chi Minh City and marvel at this form of traditional Vietnamese art, you can visit Golden Water Puppet Theatre . There are daily shows at 17:00 and 18:30 that last about 50 minutes in the theater that can be found behind the Independence Palace.

Another extraordinary show in Ho Chi Minh City that you shouldn’t miss is A O Show. A O Show tells a captivating story of the transition from the peaceful life of the countryside to the fast-paced metropolitan life of modern Southern Vietnam. Tickets to A O Show can be booked online here: A O Show Ticket . The show at Saigon Opera House takes place at 18:00 and 20:30.

Overnight : Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City - Ngoc Linh Hotel

Day 4: Visiting Cu Chi Tunnels

On our last day in Ho Chi Minh City, we took the half day tour to Cu Chi Tunnels  to discover the hidden underground world of Vietnam. These 250 km long tunnels are located 70 km away from Saigon so getting there by public transportation is quite time consuming. That’s why we’ve opted to join the tour this time.

Morning: After breakfast, we were transferred to Cu Chi, a small community located northwest of Ho Chi Minh City. It took approximately one and a half hour to reach Cu Chi Tunnels .

Before exploring the tunnels, a short introductory video about how the tunnels were constructed and how the people survived during the war time was displayed.

The best experience at Cu Chi Tunnels was going down to tunnels as the tunnel system is uniquely designed for revolutionary activists and includes specially constructed living areas with kitchens, bedrooms, storages, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers. Inside the tunnel complex, there are also many hidden trap doors and dangerous traps used for security purposes during the war.

Before transferring back to Ho Chi Minh City, we’ve tasted some of the main dishes of Viet Cong soldiers such as cassava served with tangy tea.

Cu Chi Tunnels has become a very popular tourist attraction but it is not for the claustrophobic.

Afternoon : After coming back to Ho Chi Minh City, we headed to the bus station and departed to Phan Thiet City. Our next destination was Mui Ne , which is one of the most beautiful eco-tourism sites in Binh Thuan Province.

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What to do in Hanoi for 4 Days – Best Itinerary 4 Days 3 Nights in Hanoi

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What to do in Hanoi for 4 days | BEST Hanoi Itinerary 4 days 3 nights

Coming to Hanoi but you are still unsure of what to do in Hanoi for 4days. Don’t worry. I’ve created a variety of itineraries to Hanoi with various time lengths thanks to my more than ten years of experience working in the tourism industry and extensive experience as a tour guide for foreign travelers.

In this blog, I offer you some detailed Hanoi 4-days itineraries to help you save as much time and money as possible!

And if you’re still having difficulty in coming up with a suitable Hanoi itinerary, don’t hesitate to contact us for FREE Itinerary Planning with round-the-clock support.

This is more for you:

• Hanoi Itinerary:  1 day     2days     3days      5days     6days     7days

Hanoi Itinerary 4 Days in Brief

Option 1: 2 Days in Hanoi City: 1 day outside of Hanoi and 1 day for day trip

This is regarded as the most ideal option for a 4-day itinerary in Hanoi

Day 1: Hanoi Old Quarter, French Quarter, Water Puppet Show

Any tour in Hanoi will take visitors to the city’s most well-known attractions. Therefore, we advise scheduling a full-day city tour and an evening water puppet show.

In the Morning

Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi is the resting place of Vietnamese revolutionary leader – Ho Chi Minh. When coming here, visitors can learn more about the life of President Ho Chi Minh and the admiration that the Vietnamese have for him while also admiring the impressive architecture of this complex.

• Location: No.25, Hung Vuong street, Ba Dinh district, Hanoi
• Opening time: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday
• Opening hours: From 8.00 to 12.00 in the morning and 2.00 to 4.30 in the afternoon
• Entrance fee: 40.000 VND
• Dress code: Don’t wear shorts, short skirts, tank tops,…

Visit One Pillar Pagoda

One Pillar pagoda is a should-not-miss destination with an unique traditional architecture, featuring the entire building lying on a single pillar in the middle of a lotus pond. This pagoda is regarded as an iconic Hanoi landmark because of its close ties to Vietnamese history and culture.

• Opening Time: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Built: 1049
• How to get there: 3-minute walk from the Ho Chi Minh Museum
• Location: Google Maps

Go sightseeing at West Lake and Tran Quoc Pagoda

West Lake is the largest lake of the capital with a shore length of 17 kilometers. It is renowned as the best place in Hanoi to view the sunset in addition to being a popular entertainment destination with a variety of gardens, hotels, and villas.

Tran Quoc Pagoda, which was built on the shore of West Lake around 1500 years ago, has played a significant part in the religious and spiritual life of the Hanoi people.

• Location: Thanh Nien street
• Entrance fee: Free admission
• Opening hours: 11:00 – 11:30 & 3:00 – 16:00 (From Monday to Saturday); 7:00 – 16:00 (Sunday and Holidays)

After exploring the Ho Chi Minh Complex, tourists can choose to visit Tran Quoc Pagoda and West Lake nearby.

In the afternoon

Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Hoan Kiem Lake (known as Sword Lake) and Ngoc Son Temple are the most famous tourist attractions in Hanoi. Taking a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake will provide you with intriguing moments that will let you relax after a long day. Additionally, it gives you a great opportunity to learn about the daily life of the locals.

The Ngoc Son Temple and The Huc Red Bridge on the jade water lake give off an imposing appearance during the day but become incredibly dazzling at night.

• Opening Time: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Entrance Fee: 30,000 VND
• Built: 18th Century

Explore Hanoi Old Quarter

• The Old Quarter is considered as both the capital’s hub and the primary tourist destination in Hanoi. Initially, it was the commercial hub with at least 36 handcraft guilds.
• Though the Old Quarter has grown busier, more modern and larger with more than just 36 streets, some of its original characteristics have been preserved.

>>> Read more:

• 20+ Best Things to Do in Hanoi Old Quarter
• Best Things To Do at Night in Hanoi

Enjoy water puppet show

An evening pleasure that shouldn’t be missed is watching a water puppet show. Water puppetry is one of the earliest traditional arts in Vietnamese culture. The puppeteers will stand in the deep water and control the movements of puppets through bamboo rods to tell Vietnamese folk tales, legends and myths.

Watching water puppet shows is the favorite activity for children as well as one of the best things to do in Hanoi on rainy days or at night.

• Location: 57B Dinh Tien Hoang Str, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi

Water puppet price

• 1st Class Seat Ticket – 200000 VND/pax
• 2nd Class Seat Ticket – 150000 VND/pax
• 3rd Class Seat Ticket – 100000 VND/pax
• Show timings: At 13:45, 15:00, 16:10, 17:20, 18:30, 20:00, 21:15 from Monday to Saturday.
• At 09:30, 13:45, 15:00, 16:10, 17:20, 18:30, 20:00, 21:15 on Sunday
• It is necessary to pick up your ticket at the ticket office at least 30 minutes before the show starts.
• At Thang Long water puppet theater, each show is appropriately 45 minutes long.

>>> You can check a thorough schedule here with Hanoi City Tour

Day 2: Cooking Class & Street Food Tour

After the first full day visiting famous tourist attractions in Hanoi, it is recommended to spend the second day on a street food tour in Hanoi to explore Vietnamese cuisine.

In the morning

• Tourists can enroll in a half-day cooking class that ends just before lunch so they can enjoy what they have made. The cooking class will begin with a trip to the local market to prepare necessary ingredients for the dish. The shopping experience at a local market will help you gain a deep understanding of Vietnamese daily life.
• Then, the delicacies will be explained in detail to the tourists, along with instructions on how to prepare them. All dishes in cooking class are the most signature and well-known dishes in Vietnam.
• In the afternoon, tourists can take a Street food tour around the Old Quarter , which is considered as the haven of street cuisine. Even celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain came here to sample the best dishes in Hanoi.
• The two dishes that best represent Hanoian cuisine are the iconic Vietnamese steamed rice rolls and pho bo (rice noodle soup with beef). Next, let’s stop at a barbecue stand to savor some delicious grilled pork.
• Your final stop needs to be Ta Hien Beer Street to get some fresh beer or Cafe Giang, at No. 39 Nguyen Huu Huan Street, to try the most delectable and well-known egg coffee in the birthplace of this unique dish.

Day 3: Bat Trang Ceramic Village and Hanoi Night Market

• The third day in your itinerary will give you more insight into Hanoi. If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, let’s take a short trip to the outskirts of Hanoi to experience the tranquil countryside.
• Bat Trang ceramic village is the best option for a half-day trip outside of Hanoi. Tourists coming here will have the chance to purchase the renowned ceramic products in the capital. Particularly, tourists can take part in a workshop to make some pottery at hand, then bring home a homemade cup or vase as a souvenir.

Return to the city center, walk around the night market in Hanoi. Here are three famous and worth-visiting night markets:

Night market at Hanoi Old Quarter

• Location: Along Hang Dao street (Clothing street) to Hang Giay street (Paper product street)
• Opening hours: From 18:00 to mid-nights on Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Long Bien Night Market

• Location: Near Long Bien Bridge
• Opening hours: Every day from 23:00 to the early morning of the following day

Quang Ba Flower Market

• Location: No.236, Au Co street
• Opening hours: From night to the early morning of the following day

Day 4: Take a day trip from Hanoi

• Top 21 Incredible Day Trips from Hanoi – Best Ideal for A Day Trip

Ninh Binh and Halong are the two closest destinations to Hanoi and also the most well-known tourist destinations in Vietnam. Therefore, on the last day of your itinerary, you should consider a day trip from Hanoi to either Ninh Binh or Halong

Option 1: A day-trip to Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh is a stunning tourist attraction with just a 2-hour drive to the South of Hanoi. As a Cultural and Natural World Heritage Site, it offers a lot to experience as. In a day-trip to Ninh Binh, tourists can take in the beautiful limestone karst landscape or visit the oldest, most majestic and largest pagodas in Vietnam.

Mua Cave has been recently renowned as the most beautiful scenic view point in Northern Vietnam. The two other outstanding attractions are Trang An and Tam Coc, but there is no need to talk about their beauty.

You will embark on a two-hour boat cruise in the morning in Trang An or Tam Coc to take in the breathtaking scenery. Then, select one of the following destinations to visit after lunch: Mua Cave, Bai Dinh pagoda, or Cuc Phuong national park.

We have some beforehand information about Ninh Binh Tours and Things to do in Ninh Binh for you to check out!

Option 2: A day-trip to Halong

With the new expressway, traveling from Hanoi to Halong now only takes around 2 hours. Tourists will have the option of taking a 4- or 6-hour Halong Bay cruise.

Basically, a 6-hour cruise itinerary will include a visit to Trong Mai Islet, Lu Huong Islet, Cho Da Islet, Thien Cung Cave, Dau Go cave; swimming activity at Ti Top beach, kayaking activity. Even though the trip is short, you will undoubtedly have enjoyable experiences.

>>> EXPLORE Deluxe Halong Bay Day Trip 6 Hour Cruising <<<

Option 2: Hanoi 4 Days Package Tour – Hanoi & Halong Overnight Cruise

Following the first option for a 4-day stay in Hanoi, let’s check out the second recommended option – Hanoi 4 Days Package Tour – 2 days in Hanoi, 2 days in Halong Bay

• First Day: Arrival
• Second Day: Hanoi City Tour
• Third Day: Hanoi – Halong Bay
• Fourth Day: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Departure

Who is it for:

• For those who just have a limited amount of time in Vietnam, this option will offer you the chance to explore Vietnamese history, culture and cuisine in Hanoi.
• Four days here will enable you to recharge, unwind, and spend more time with your companion in Halong Bay after many hectic days.

Day 1: Hanoi Old Quarter & French Quarter

In the morning – hanoi old quarter.

• One of Hanoi’s most well-known locations, the Old Quarter, will be the first stop on a 4-day itinerary.
• The Hanoi Old Quarter, with its more than 2000-year history of development, is regarded as the beating heart of the city.
• Here, the crowded streets full with people passing and trading reflect the bustling life of Hanoians in the most vivid way.
• The Old Quarter primarily comprises 36 old streets, each of which was given its name after a certain type of handcrafts that were once offered there. Most shops are still selling this type of merchandise nowadays.
• This neighborhood also preserves the timeless values of Hanoi’s architecture, culture, historical sites, and religion.
• This itinerary is designed to facilitate travelers’ great walking tours of some must-see locations

Here are some places around the Hanoi Old Quarter that you absolutely must visit:

Hoan Kiem Lake – known as Sword Lake, is located in the heart of Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital. The lake serves as both a well-known tourist destination and the focal point of community life.

Hanoi Ancient House: This ancient house, which can be found at 87 Ma May Street in the Old Quarter, was constructed in the late XX century and still preserves most of the traditional architecture of ancient houses in the area.

• Opening Time: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
• Entrance Fee: 10,000 VND
•  Built: 11th century, 18th century
•  Location: Google Maps

Bach Ma Temple: Despite the fact that the majority of the current construction dates back to the 18th century, Bach Ma Temple, located in the heart of the Old Quarter, is thought to be Hanoi’s oldest temple. The temple was initially erected in the 11th century during the reign of King Ly Thai To in memory of a white horse that appeared and guided him to the location where he could successfully build the new citadel walls.

• Opening Time: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
• Entrance Fee: FREE
• Built: 11th century, 18th century

Dong Xuan Market: Located in Hoan Kiem district, Dong Xuan market was initially constructed by the French in 1889. This market has undergone numerous renovations, the most recent being in 1994 when a fire almost completely destroyed it.

• Opening Time: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Built: 1889

Quan Chuong Gate: The Quan Chuong Gate was constructed in 1749 as one of the gates to guard the Thang Long ancient citadel. It is currently the only gate that still exhibits the typical architecture from the feudal era in Vietnam.

Long Bien Bridge: was built between 1889 to 1902, when Vietnam was a French colony. It is therefore considered as a witness to Hanoi’s resilience in the two resistance wars against the French and Americans as well as the drastic changes of this city in the new era.

• Many Vietnamese buildings were destroyed during the French colonial era in the late 19th century and replaced with opulent new French-style villas and architectural works.
• When compared to Old Quarter’s alleys that are narrow, the French Quarter’s architecture makes it easier to go around. The French Quarter is also home to some of Hanoi’s most luxurious restaurants and hotels.

Let’s take a look at some must-try tourist attractions below:

Hanoi St. Joseph’s Cathedral: St. Joseph’s Cathedral is located on Nha Chung street, one of the busiest streets in Hoan Kiem district. It is a late 19th-century Gothic Revival church that serves as the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese in Hanoi for nearly 4 million Catholics nationwide.

• Opening Time: Mass weekdays at 5:30 AM and 6:15 PM; Saturday at 6:00 PM and several times on Sunday
• Built: 1886

Hanoi Opera House: Located in the city center, Hanoi Opera House was built by the French during a-10 year period, from 1901 to 1911. Tourists can stop by to gaze upon and take pictures of the magnificent French neoclassical architecture outside. Additionally, by purchasing a ticket to an opera, you can learn more about the inside of the opera house.

Hoa Lo Prison: Hoa Lo was a prison used by the French colonialists for political prisoners in the Indochina war and then used by the Northern Vietnam government for American POWs during the resilience war against the US.

• Opening time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Built: 1896

Day 2: Visit Halong Bay

Cruise tours are extremely popular in Halong, and a variety of cruises offer itineraries ranging from 3-star to 5-star grade service for you to select based on your preferences. To have the best experience, it is advised to book a 2-day-1-night cruise in advance and follow this itinerary.

Here is a sample itinerary for 2 days and 1 night in Halong Bay

At 8.00 in the morning, departing from Hanoi, it will take about 2 hours to get to Halong Bay. Tourists then complete the necessary steps to board the cruise and listen to the staff provide a quick overview of the cruise. Have lunch on the cruise.

• For the Best experience, you may want to check out the ultimate Tips to Choose Halong Bay Cruise !

So what is exactly to do on a Halong Bay cruise? You just need to relax while the cruise slowly sails across limestone islands and stops at famous tourist spots in the bay.

• Surprise Cave (Sung Sot Cave)

Sung Sot cave was first discovered by the French in 1901. The cave is located in the center of Halong Bay with a total area of more than 10,000 meter square.

• Ti Top Island

Ti Top island is regarded as one of the most alluring tourist sites in Halong Bay. This island is the harmonious combination of white clouds, blue sky and jade sea water.

Tourists to Ti Top Island can swim, relax on the beach, or climb to the top of the island for a sweeping view of HaLong Bay after arriving.

• Sunset Party on the sundeck

What could be more wonderful than enjoying afternoon tea and watching the sunset on deck with your companions. Then, tourists will have dinner on the cruise and take part in board games, squid fishing or just hanging out before taking an overnight cruise.

>>> BEST HALONG BAY CRUISE <<<

Day 3: Halong Bay – Back to Hanoi

• Tai Chi Exercises

Start a day with Tai Chi practice in the early morning, then have breakfast while the cruise continues to sail to other beautiful islands and islets.

• Kayaking in Halong Bay

When visiting Halong Bay, kayaking is a fun activity that you should not miss. It’s worth trying to paddle out in a small kayak across the jade sea water, crawl through the caverns, and touch the stalactites. Ha Long Bay has been voted by National Geographic Adventures as one of the top 25 Kayak tours in the world.

• Trong Mai Islet (Fighting Cock Rocks)

Trong Mai Island – often referred to as “Ga Choi” (Fighting-cock), is one of the first tiny limestone islands you’ll see on your Halong Bay trip. This limestone karst island in Halong Bay is one of the most well-known due to its shape, which resembles a pair of chickens emerging from the jade sea water. Trong Mai Island, with its artistic and symbolic worth, has also been dubbed the emblem of Halong Bay.

• Dau Go Cave

The cave, located on Dau Go island in Halong Bay, is around 5000 square meters in size and 17 meters high. There is a clear well encircled by four antiquated walls at the end of the cave. Dau Go cave is renowned for its diversity of plants, including mosses, ferns, woody plants, and others, in addition to its exquisite stalactites. For these reasons, it is considered as one of the most beautiful caves in Vietnam.

After the 2-day and 1-night cruise in Halong Bay, tourists will return to Hanoi in the afternoon and stay overnight in the capital.

Day 4: Hanoi City Tour

On the last day of the itinerary, if you still have time, let’s take a visit to Ho Chi Minh Complex and the Temple of Literature!

Here are some suggested destinations:

• Ho Chi Minh Complex – Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, is the final resting place in Hanoi of Vietnamese revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh
• West Lake: With a shore length of 17 kilometer, west lake is the largest lake of the capital and also a famous entertainment location with many gardens, hotels and villas.
• Long Bien Bridge: Long Bien is a historic steel bridge that crosses the Red River and connects the districts of Hoan Kiem and Long Bien. It was initially erected by the French with the name the Paul Doumer Bridge. Up to present, the bridge has become the historical and cultural proof, serving as the iconic landmark and pride of Hanoians.

Option 3: Hanoi 4 Days Adventure Tour

1 day in Hanoi, 1 day in Ninh Binh and 2 days in Halong

• Second day: Ninh Binh 1 Day Tour
• Third Day: Overnight on Halong Bay Cruise
• Last Day: Halong Bay – Hanoi
• Although the itinerary is not too long, it will undoubtedly give you a lot of exciting experiences in the north of Vietnam, namely at three well-known tourist destinations: Hanoi, Halong, and Ninh Binh.
• With a variety of group activities including kayaking, cycling, and other activities available, this option will be excellent for family-type, couple-type, and friends-type itineraries.
• Undoubtedly, it will be your unforgettable trip that ties your family bond and gives you fresh energy for your monotonous daily life!

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival + Half Day City Tour

Morning time

• At Noi Bai Airport, our guide will hold up a sign with your name and wait for you at the entrance to the security area. After that, ride in a private vehicle to your hotel in the city center and take a rest.

Afternoon time

• The first stop on a half-day city tour of Hanoi is the Temple of Literature, the country of Vietnam’s first university, followed by either the Vietnamese Women’s Museum or the neighboring National Museum of Fine Arts.
• Take a cyclo through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, which is regarded as the city’s heart and soul.
• A water puppet show will round up your half-day trip before spending a night in Hanoi. Water puppet is a unique theatrical art form created by Vietnamese farmers, which is definitely a must-try thing here.

Day 2: Hanoi – Ninh Binh 1Day Trip

• Ninh Binh is just a 2-hour drive from Hanoi but can help you escape from the bustling capital. It is a well-known destination with impressive landscapes, featuring lush rice paddies and waterways amid limestone mountains.
• Your bus to Ninh Binh will depart from Hanoi at about 7:50 in the morning and return to Hanoi after your Ninh Binh day trip finishes.

Tourists can pick one of the most remarkable and recommended tours on Tripadvisor – the world’s largest travel review site as listed below:

• Deluxe Hoa Lu Tam Coc Mua Cave Tour – Small Group
• Bai Dinh Pagoda + Trang An Complex Day Tour
• Deluxe Hoa Lu Trang An Mua Cave Tour – Small Group

Day 3: Hanoi – Halong Bay Overnight Cruise

• Take the bus to Halong Bay between 7:45 and 8:15 in the morning. Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site noted for its spectacular sceneries of caverns and thousands of islands and islets.
• Once on board, tourists will get a warm greeting before setting sail towards Halong Bay. Halong Bay, located in the Tonkin Gulf, is one of the world’s most stunning natural wonders. It features thousands of limestone karsts that soar from the jade sea water like works of art.
• From the deck of the bat-sail cruise, tourists may take in the tranquility and view one of the Far East’s most stunning natural beauties, created by a number of islets dotted with limestone arches, breathtaking cliffs, and a plethora of white sands and serene coves.
• The cruise will make a stop at a floating village on the bay so that you may visit and learn about the local life before spending the night in a private cabin.

Day 4: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Departure

• Tourists will continue to spend the morning on cruise. Joining a Tai chi class in the early morning will help you get ready for a new day.
• Watch the sunrise on deck and have breakfast at a beautiful restaurant called Halong Bay
• Take a visit to one cave, then check your cabin carefully while the cruise is back to the harbor. At around 4:00 p.m., your trip is scheduled to arrive in Hanoi. For the rest of the day, you can unwind at your hotel or explore Hanoi Old Quarter on your own.
• Prepare your luggage for transportation to the airport based on the time your flight is scheduled to depart.

Local tips for Hanoi itinerary in 4 days and 3 nights

• Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and sunglasses, especially in summer
• When visiting the city center, you should wear sneakers or sandals and comfortable clothes because walking is the main and most convenient way to get to tourist sites.
• You should not wear too short clothes when visiting temples, pagodas, and particularly Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
• You can absolutely visit Halong Bay in 1 day. However, if you are really interested in this destination, it is recommended to spend 1 more night on cruise so that you can visit more tourist sites and experience more interesting activities.
• There are a variety of things to prepare for 4 days in Hanoi. I suggest Hanoi Explore Travel if you need advice from a local expert.
• With the three proposed Hanoi 4-day itineraries listed above, I hope you’ve already figured out what to do in Hanoi for 4 days.

Also, hope that you will have an unforgettable journey in Vietnam. Feel free to contact for a FREE ITINERARY PLANNING or further recommendation!

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How to Plan a 12-Day Vietnam Itinerary (4 Unique Ideas)

12 days are perfect for traveling the length of Vietnam, covering the top highlights from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, but also venturing into the lesser-beaten paths, like Sapa, Ninh Binh, and Son Doong Cave expedition.

Read further to explore the following 4 itineraries, specially crafted for various interests from first visits to outdoor adventures.

• Itinerary #1: Best of Vietnam from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City
• Itinerary #2: Vietnam Family Trip With Sapa
• Itinerary #3: Vietnam Classic Wonders with Mekong Delta
• Itinerary #4: Vietnam Trip With Son Doong Cave Expedition

How Much Is a 12-Day Vietnam Tour?

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Itinerary 1: Best of Vietnam in 12 Days from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

This 12-day Vietnam trip gives a glimpse of its top highlights for first-timers.

Start with the city exploration in its capital—Hanoi, experience the rural life in Ninh Binh, stay overnight on a Halong Bay cruise, discover the bustling Ho Chi Minh City, immerse yourself in Hoi An's ancient charm and hands-on experiences, and finally unwind on the beaches of Da Nang.

You could check out the following itinerary: 3 nights in Hanoi, 1 night in Halong Bay, 3 nights in Ho Chi Minh City, 2 nights in Hoi An, and 2 nights in Da Nang.

• Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi
• Day 2: Hanoi city tour with Old Quarter cyclo ride and Water Puppet Show
• Day 3: An excursion trip to Ninh Binh: Hoa Lu + Trang An + Mua Cave
• Day 4: Take an overnight Halong Bay Cruise to Unspoiled Isles
• Day 5: Morning Kayaking in Halong Bay, Fly to Ho Chi Minh City
• Day 6: Ho Chi Minh city tour and an evening A O Show
• Day 7: The Cu Chi Tunnels tour by speedboat
• Day 8: Fly to Da Nang, and take an evening foodie walk in Hoi An
• Day 9: Hoi An farming to fishing experience and cycling tour
• Days 10-11: Transfer to Da Nang and enjoy free beach time
• Day 12: Airport Transfer, Da Nang Departure

Your Vietnam trip would start from Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam . On Day 2, discover its landmarks of temples and museums, take a cyclo around Old Quarter, and watch a water puppet show. On Day 3, drive to Ninh Binh to visit the ancient capital Hoa Lu. Take a rowing boat through rice paddies and explore Mua Cave for a panoramic view of Tam Coc.

Next, continue your journey to the scenic Halong Bay . For a cozy and exclusive experience, we've specially arranged a smaller 2-day junk boat instead of the big usual group-tour cruises. Relax yourself with the breathtaking sunrises/ sunsets, interesting squid fishing, and exciting kayaking/ swimming before flying to Ho Chi Minh City.

On Day 6, tick off iconic attractions in Ho Chi Minh City : Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, Saigon Central Post Office, and Reunification Palace. Don't forget to take a cup of coffee in a street cafe and watch an impressive A O Show. On Day 7, hop on a speedboat to explore the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, squeezing through tight passages to experience the reality of the Vietnam War firsthand.

Then heading to ancient Hoi An . You could get up-close views of local life from daily farming and fishing activities, a countryside biking tour, and a culinary adventure with a guided walking tour.

Cap off your trip to Da Nang for the delightful beach fun. If you like, capture Instagram-worthy pictures of the Golden Bridge with its open palms.

Itinerary 2: 12-Day Vietnam Family Trip With Sapa

This 12-day family-oriented itinerary offers fun activities in Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City. You and your family could also venture into the mountainous Sapa for trekking adventures, hill-tribe market visits, and scenic rural scenery.

Moreover, you and your family would have diverse accommodations: overnight train, Topas Ecolodge with infinity pools in Sapa, Halong Bay cruise, and colonial-style boutique hotel in Hoi An.

Here is a brief itinerary for your inspiration: 3 nights in Hanoi, 1 night on the train, 3 nights in Sapa, 1 night on the Halong Bay cruise, 2 nights in Hoi An, and 2 nights in Ho Chi Minh City.

• Day 2: A day to Moon Garden & Duong Lam village
• Day 3: Hanoi city tour with Old Quarter cyclo ride and water puppet show, take an overnight train to Sapa
• Day 4: Train station pickup and discover hill tribe markets
• Day 5: A hiking tour to Nam Sai and Nam Cang (the quiet and remote villages offering more authentic experiences)
• Day 6: Embark on a half-day trekking tour with a home visit, transfer back to Hanoi
• Day 7: Transfer to Halong Bay and take an overnight cruise
• Day 8: Morning kayaking or Taichi exercise, then return to Hanoi for an afternoon flight to Hoi An.
• Day 9: Half-day local fishing life experience and evening foodie walk
• Day 10: Make lanterns together and take an afternoon flight to Ho Chi Minh City
• Day 11: Half-day Ho Chi Minh City tour by Vespa, including Central Post Office, the Nhi Phu Temple, and Ho Thi Ky flower market
• Day 12: Departure

In Hanoi , Day 2 unfolds with the exploration of the Moon Garden and Duong Lam Village. Take a short bike ride along countryside roads, partake in a cooking class, and then indulge in the relaxing hand spa and foot bath. Day 3 brings a cyclo tour of the Old Quarter followed by an intriguing water puppet show at a local family's home. For extra fun, manipulate the puppets and practice your own show together with your kids.

After the city tour, take an overnight train to Sapa . If you're a light sleeper, contact us to arrange a private transfer instead. In Sapa, encounter different ethnic groups in a local hill-tribe market, go on a 2-day trekking tour via both classic and off-beat routes in Sapa, and dress up in colorful ethnic costumes for a family photo.

After energetic hiking in Sapa, treat your family to a 2-day Halong Bay tour aboard a luxury junk boat. Parents could enjoy a sunset drink while children burn off their energy in kayaking and swimming.

Continue your tour to Hoi An . On Day 9, take a basket boat ride through the tunnels and cast the traditional fishing net with your hand. When night falls, take a guided walk through the lantern-lit streets, savor the authentic street food and admire the night views from a boat ride. You and your kids could create your own lanterns together with the help of a local workshop owner on Day 10.

The final leg of your family trip would be Ho Chi Minh City . Take the typical transport, Vespa, go through the streets and explore the city highlights.

Itinerary 3: 12-Day Vietnam Classic Wonders with Mekong Delta

This 12-day tour is curated with top-rated experiences and idyllic landscapes. Beyond the must-sees of Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, and Hanoi, you would delve deeper into the Mekong Delta for 2 days and embark on a 3-day Halong Bay cruise for untouched views.

You could check out the following itinerary: 3 nights in Ho Chi Minh City, 1 night in Can Tho, 3 nights in Hoi An, 2 nights in Hanoi, and 2 nights in Halong Bay.

• Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City arrival, Vietnam
• Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City tour with Cyclo tour
• Day 3: Cu Chi Tunnels visit
• Day 4: Transfer to Mekong Delta, visit the local village and take a sampan ride in Ben Tra, then stay overnight at Can Tho
• Day 5: Explore Cai Rang Floating Market and fly to Hoi An in the afternoon
• Day 6: Hoi An walking tour and a sunset boat ride experience
• Day 7: A cooking class at a local family
• Day 8: Enjoy a free morning in Hoi An, and fly to Hanoi
• Day 9: Hanoi city tour
• Day 10: Transfer to Halong Bay, and stay overnight at the cruise
• Day 11: Halong Bay cruise

Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City , take a 2-day guided tour to see iconic highlights and explore Cu Chi Tunnels.

Afterwards, venture into the Mekong Delta to see the disappearing floating markets of Can Tho and glide through the delta's waterways on a traditional sampan ride.

While in Hoi An , you would have ample chances to interact with locals. Chat with skilled craftsmen amid a lantern-filled ancient town, catch fish with local fishermen on a basket boat ride, and cook Vietnamese dishes together with a local family.

Next, make your way to Hanoi for a classic city tour before transferring to Halong Bay. Escape the day-trippers and group crowds by unwinding on our carefully selected 3-day Halong Bay cruise . In addition to the usual cruise activities, you would also have the opportunity to cycle around Viet Hai village and explore the surrounding rainforest.

If you're interested in exploring the Mekong Delta more deeply, consider an 8-day Mekong Cruise from Vietnam to Cambodia. For more details, check out our 2-Week Vietnam-Cambodia Tour with a Luxurious Mekong Cruise .

Itinerary 4: 12-Day Vietnam Trip With Son Doong Cave Expedition

This 12-day adventure itinerary is customized for active travelers and nature lovers. You would go through iconic highlights of Vietnam from the south to the north. The pinnacle of the journey would be trekking and camping in the Son Doong Cave, the largest cave system in the world, followed by a 3-day Halong Bay cruise.

Check out the fully customizable itinerary for inspiration: 2 nights in Ho Chi Minh City, 5 nights in Dong Hoi, 2 nights in Hanoi and 2 nights in Halong Bay.

• Day 1: Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City
• Day 2: Half-day Ho Chi Minh City tour by Vespa and A O show
• Day 3: Fly to Dong Hoi, Safety Briefing for Son Doong Cave Expedition, and Welcome Dinner.
• Day 4: Son Doong Cave Expedition (Doong Village–Hang En Cave)
• Day 5: Son Doong Cave Expedition (Son Doong Entrance–Doline 1 Campsite)
• Day 6: Son Doong Cave Expedition (Garden of Edam–Doline 2 Campsite)
• Day 7: Son Doong Cave Expedition (The Great Wall of Vietnam–Son Doong Exit– Chay Lap Farmstay)
• Day 8: Fly from Dong Hoi to Hanoi
• Day 10: Halong Bay Cruise
• Day 11: Halong Bay Cruise

In this 12-day tour, you would travel at a winding-down tour pace, starting with a Vespa tour of Ho Chi Minh City upon arrival.

Then, get ready for the adventure of a lifetime as you dive into the wonders of Son Doong Cave from Day 3 to Day 9! You would explore the entire length of Son Doong Cave, Hang En Cave, and visit Ban Doong ethnic minority village.

During this adventurous and rewarding expedition, you would trek between jungles and mountains, and engage in thrilling activities like abseiling and rope climbing. Most impressively, take a refreshing dip in the cave pools and sleep overnight in the completely dark cave! To capture once-in-a-lifetime moments, your professional guides would also show you the best photo spots for the coolest and most surreal pictures.

Then head up to Hanoi for a city tour and then escape the city for tranquility as you sail to the untouched areas of Halong Bay on your 3-day cruise .

Insider's tips:

• The Son Doong Cave Expedition is open to adventurers aged 18 to 70. Good physical fitness and prior trekking experiences are requested. If you're travelling with younger kids or prefer an easy to moderate cave expedition, a 2/3-day Tu Lan Cave Adventure is more suggested.
• Only 1,000 visitors a year are allowed in the cave, so booking one year in advance is necessary.
• Son Doong Cave Expedition is only operated from January to the end of August every year.

Want More Itinerary Options?

In addition to the four itineraries mentioned above, you could also explore neighboring countries to experience the diverse facets of Southeast Asia. Here are two popular destinations:

• 12-Day Cambodia and Vietnam Tour : Phnom Penh (2 nights)- Siem Reap, Cambodia (2 nights)-Ho Chi Minh City (2 nights)- Hoi An (2 nights)-Hanoi (2 nights)-Halong Bay (1 night)
• 12-Day Laos to Vietnam Tour : Luang Prabang, Laos (3 nights)-Hanoi (2 nights)-Halong Bay (1 night)- Hoi An (3 nights)- Ho Chi Minh City (3 nights)

You could also contact us to tailor-make your Southeast Asia trip with your preferred destinations.

A 12-day Vietnam tour usually costs US$200–250 per person per day on a private basis. Our tailored private tours include 4/5-star hotels, all transport within the itinerary, private guides/drivers and vehicles, and all your chosen attractions and activities. Costs vary seasonally and with requirements.

Travel with us to enjoy our exclusive customized private tours. Save yourself from overwhelming planning logistics and discover Vietnam in a worry-free way with our highly-praised private guides and drivers, and surprise your loved one(s) with our special arrangements on big days! Additionally, inviting family or friends to share costs can result in more savings per person.

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Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

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4 Day Hanoi Itinerary to Make The Most Of Your Tour

T his 4 day Hanoi itinerary will show you everything from bustling streets, fragrant foods, and enchanting old architecture – Hanoi is an adventure in a vibrant culture that awaits your exploration.

But there’s so much to see in this bustling city that you cannot do without a thorough itinerary. And that’s what we’re here to talk about. 

We’ll help you discover the depths of its history on a four-day itinerary to uncover the delights of this captivating city.

No matter if you want to:

• Immerse in classic scenes of street markets.
• Walk around temples and lakes.
• Or spend evenings under flickering lanterns as you take in some of Southeast Asia’s most iconic sights without missing a beat.

This expansive itinerary has it all. So pack your bags, lace up your shoes, and let’s see what Hanoi has to offer with our well-planned itinerary designed just for you!….. Psssttt. Are you short on time? If you don’t have 4 whole days to explore this amazing city be sure to check out our 1 day in Hanoi itinerary .

When to Plan Your Trip To Hanoi

Before we get down to the itinerary, let’s see the best time to visit this city. Hanoi, like most Southeast Asian countries, has a tropical climate, making it a year-round destination. 

Generally, Hanoi has two primary seasons: the dry season, which runs from November to April , and the wet season, which usually lasts from May to October.

The dry season here has lower humidity, cooler temperatures, and a more forgiving climate, making it an excellent choice for travelers who might not be too keen on braving the scorching heat. 

November through January sees temperatures ranging from 57 to 68 degrees, but keep in mind that December and January can get considerably chilly.

February through April is slightly warmer but manageable, rarely exceeding 86 degrees. The landscape begins to transform, with flowers in full bloom and the greenery starting to return – a perfect backdrop for some memorable photos. 

Plus, during this time, the iconic Tet Festival takes place, usually occurring in February.

This is Vietnam’s most crucial national holiday, celebrating the Lunar New Year, with vibrant parades, fireworks, and cultural performances. However, be prepared for massive crowds and sky-high prices for almost everything during the Tet Festival.

As the wet season approaches, temperatures spike, and humidity levels rise, with May through October experiencing frequent rain showers. 

When it’s not raining, the city can be incredibly steamy, with temperatures soaring up to 38 degrees Celsius. On the bright side, the wet season also brings the breathtaking paddy field landscapes that Vietnam is famous for.

And let’s not forget that the rainy season usually means fewer tourists, making it a fantastic time to explore the city without jostling for space with throngs of other travelers.

With all this information in mind, the most favorable time to visit Hanoi would ideally be in March, April, October, or November. That’s when the climate is more comfortable, and the beautiful landscapes of Vietnam are in full swing!

Day 1: Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake Area

Start your Hanoi ventures from this city’s heart, i.e., the Old Quarter, which has the most affordable and diverse tourist places. Here’s how you can spend your first day in Hanoi:

Hoan Kiem Lake

Located at Hanoi’s heart, Hoan Kiem Lake enchants visitors with its serene beauty. Locals refer to it as Sword Lake, thanks to a captivating legend. Emperor Le Loi allegedly returned a divine sword to a turtle inhabiting the lake – this fascinating tale adds mystery to the tranquil waters.

Keep an eye out for turtles, though. They’re still considered sacred by many, and if you’re lucky, one may surface, granting you a rare sighting.

Locals flock to the lake every morning to practice Tai Chi, yoga, and other exercises. Join in for a unique bonding opportunity, embracing wellness and camaraderie. It’s refreshing to start your day by immersing yourself in Vietnamese culture.

While leisurely strolling, indulge in local delicacies sold by street vendors. Savor a steaming bowl of pho or banh mi as you appreciate the lake’s atmosphere. 

Ngoc Son Temple

Ngoc Son Temple, a must-visit Hanoi gem, nestles on Jade Islet within Hoan Kiem Lake. A trip to this serene spot will surely enrich your 4-day itinerary. 

Cross the iconic red Huc Bridge in Hoan Leim Lake, a symbol of good luck, to reach this sacred destination. The moment you step onto the islet, you’ll feel the enchanting aura enveloping the temple – don’t forget your camera.

Originally constructed during the 18th century, Ngoc Son Temple has witnessed Vietnam’s tumultuous past. Today, it stands as a testament to the resilience and local beliefs. 

This temple’s layout illustrates typical Vietnamese architectural elements, blending harmoniously with natural surroundings. Truly, a feast for the eyes!

While exploring, look out for the preserved giant turtle. This fascinating relic represents a mythical creature believed to have lived in Hoan Kiem Lake. Legends say it safeguarded an emperor’s magical sword, so immerse yourself in enchanting stories.

Address: P. Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam

St. Joseph’s Cathedral

St. Joseph’s Cathedral adorns Hanoi’s landscape with its magnificent 19th-century Gothic revival architecture. This marvelous structure entices visitors seeking history and spirituality, making it a must-see spot.

Roaming around its exterior, you’ll witness exquisite stained-glass windows and striking twin bell towers. Their elegant design captures hearts, leaving lasting memories for travelers exploring the city’s charms.

Step inside the church, and you’ll feel the serenity as soft light filters through the vibrant windows, illuminating the intricately detailed altar. Unwind in this peaceful haven amid Hanoi’s bustling atmosphere.

Apart from religious significance, St. Joseph’s Cathedral also played a crucial role during Vietnam’s political milestones. So understanding its historical context will surely enrich your cultural experience and add depth to your Hanoi adventure.

Before leaving, don’t forget to attend the mesmerizing choir performances that fill the cathedral with heavenly melodies!

Address: 2RHX+FHX, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Hanoi’s Ancient House (87 Ma May)

Got a thing for history? Remember to visit Hanoi’s Ancient House, that’ll take you back to the day when life was simple. 

It’s right in the busy Old Quarter but feels calm inside, so you can leisurely walk around its rooms and corridors.

The house is built in a special “tube” style, common in old Hanoi. It’s narrow in the front but gets bigger inside – this smart design saves space!

You’ll find old furniture, pots, and stuff inside, which show how Vietnamese people lived a long time ago. It’s like going back in time without a time machine.

Also, local people can tell you about the house and their culture. Make sure you chat with them to learn more and make friends.

There’s a small fee to get in, but it helps keep the house looking good for everyone to enjoy. You’ll be doing something good!

Take pictures in this pretty house to remember your trip. Your friends on social media will love it too!

Address: 87 P. Mã Mây, Hàng Buồm, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Dong Xuan Market

Dong Xuan Market, Hanoi’s largest indoor bazaar, undoubtedly deserves a spot on your 4-day itinerary. 

Established by French administrators in 1889, this historic shopping hub overflows with charm, lights, and color.

Wander around this market, and you’ll spot Hanoi’s traditional ceramics, intricate laces, delicate embroideries, and mesmerizing sand paintings. It’s a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture while snagging unique souvenirs.

This loud and proud market isn’t just for shopping, though. Foodies rejoice! Scrumptious Vietnamese street food, like Pho or Banh Mi, awaits your taste buds. Savor authentic flavors in a bustling atmosphere.

Experience real Hanoian life through engaging interactions with vendors. They’re friendly, eager to share stories, and sometimes offer bargaining tips! You might just make new friends here.

As nighttime falls, don’t miss the adjacent weekend night market. It transforms into an energetic, lively spot with music, performances, and even more delicious cuisine to discover.

Ta Hien Street (Beer Street)

End your first day as a tourist in Hanoi on a good note – go taste local drinks on Ta Hien Street. Imagine a vibrant, bustling place where cold drinks meet warm smiles. That’s this street for you!

We’ve included it in your 4-day itinerary since it’s Hanoi’s beer capital. Locally dubbed “Pho Tay,” tourists can’t get enough of its lively atmosphere. Locals say that foreigners visit this day multiple times during their stay and devour its vibe. Trust us; you’ll adore it too!

So, what’s special here? The answer: Bia Hoi, a super famous beer that’s synonymous with Hanoi’s nightlife. Sip on this refreshing brew and make new friends with fellow travelers.

But wait, there’s more. Ta Hien Street isn’t just about drinks – it serves equally mouth-watering street food, ensuring your taste buds dance with delight.

It’s a cultural hotspot that showcases the city’s youthful, dynamic vibe!

Day 2: French Quarter and Half of Ba Dinh District

After spending a whole day enjoying all that Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem district has in store, you’ll be tired and want to sleep in. But don’t because there’s a lot more to cover, and time is ticking. So, here’s what you can do on your 2nd day in Hanoi:

Hanoi Opera House

Colonization has impacted Asia in more ways than we can imagine. Take architecture, for example. You’ll find French-style construction in the Hanoi Opera House.

This architectural gem boasts French colonial design, adding elegance to your trip. Located in the city center, it’s easily accessible by foot or public transportation.

Stepping inside, your eyes will admire the opulent interior reminiscent of European theaters. With gilded chandeliers and plush seats, it provides a luxurious atmosphere. 

Watch top-notch performances showcasing Vietnamese culture, international artistry, or classical music concerts.

Fun fact: Completed in 1911, the Opera House has witnessed pivotal historical events. Discover intriguing stories while seeing its magnificent exterior – friendly local guides can offer intriguing tales, enriching your visit.

Hungry after the show? Nearby, you’ll find fabulous dining options, including traditional Vietnamese cuisine and international fare. Sample delicious dishes, making your evening truly memorable.

Address: 1 Tràng Tiền, Phan Chu Trinh, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Vietnam National Museum of History

A few steps from the Hanoi Opera House is the Vietnam National Museum of History, showcasing the country’s journey.

Housed in a stunning French colonial building, its architecture alone is worth admiring. Step inside to find over 200,000 fascinating artifacts from prehistoric to recent history.

Explore ancient ceramics, intricate sculptures, and eye-catching jewelry from various dynasties. Marvel at the bronze Dong Son drums or the enchanting Ngoc Lu drum, which holds symbolic significance.

Immerse yourself in the Cham culture section, boasting exquisite sandstone statues and exceptional terracotta pieces. The museum’s chronological displays make it easy to follow Vietnam’s journey through the ages.

Lastly, grab a unique souvenir from the on-site shop, taking home a piece of Vietnam’s history!

Address: 216 Đ. Trần Quang Khải, Tràng Tiền, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 110000, Vietnam

Hanoi Hilton (Hoa Lo Prison)

Visiting Hanoi Hilton, also known as Hoa Lo Prison, will give you an insightful peek into Vietnam’s history. Built by French colonists, this once-infamous jail now serves as a museum.

Within its walls, you’ll find captivating stories of political prisoners and American pilots during the Vietnam War. Senator John McCain’s flight suit is on display, an iconic piece linked to his time as a captive.

Get ready for a thrilling experience exploring eerie cells, torture devices, and heart-wrenching tales. This excursion promises a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s past struggles and resilience.

Stroll through thought-provoking exhibits and be amazed at how the country has transformed since. You’ll leave feeling grateful and inspired by Vietnam’s journey toward healing and progress.

Address: 1 P. Hoả Lò, Trần Hưng Đạo, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Located at Ba Dinh Square, this site is where Uncle Ho, Vietnam’s iconic leader, rests in eternal peace. His preserved body lies within, drawing countless curious tourists yearly.

The mausoleum’s grand exterior showcases a blend of Soviet and Vietnamese architectural styles, creating an imposing yet elegant structure. 

Make it to the mausoleum during the changing of guards ceremony, occurring hourly from 9 AM to 5 PM. Witness the impressive display of discipline, a hallmark of Vietnamese military traditions.

Visiting this landmark will give you a chance to learn more about Ho Chi Minh’s impact on Vietnam’s modern history. Pay your respects to the revered leader and gain insight into the nation’s past.

Also, keep in mind that dress codes and rules apply when you visit the landmark. So dress modestly, maintain silence, and avoid photography within the mausoleum.

Afterward, stroll around the well-manicured gardens, home to over 250 plant species, and see your tiresome melt away. 

Address: 8 Hùng Vương, Điện Biên, Ba Đình, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam

Day 3: West Lake and Ba Dinh District

On your 3rd day in Hanoi, focus on this city’s political hub, i.e., Ba Dinh. In all fairness, there’s a lot to explore in Ba Dinh that one day will fly by you. But let’s try. Here’s what your 3rd-day itinerary should ideally look like: 

One Pillar Pagoda

Constructed in 1049 under Emperor Ly Thai Tong’s reign, the wooden temple has a fascinating tale. Dreaming of Guan/Quan Yin, the goddess of mercy, who handed him a baby boy, the emperor built this pagoda. It symbolizes his gratitude.

The architectural marvel is fashioned after a lotus blooming from water, symbolizing purity in Buddhism. As Vietnam’s pride, the pagoda showcases the country’s cultural and spiritual heritage.

Visitors here immerse themselves in the tranquil atmosphere. They light incense, send prayers, and feel a spiritual connection. Local folklore says that wishes here come true, so don’t miss your chance!

The temple underwent several reconstructions but still maintains its original charm. Explore the intricacies of Vietnamese craftsmanship, evident in every corner.

Address: phố P. Chùa Một Cột, Đội Cấn, Ba Đình, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam

Tran Quoc Pagoda

Visiting Hanoi without exploring Tran Quoc Pagoda? No way! This ancient gem boasts a rich history, dating back to the 6th century. Situated in picturesque West Lake, it’s a serene escape from the crowded city.

Hop on a bike or stroll to reach this spiritual haven. Observe delicate architecture as you cross the captivating bridge, connecting you to a peaceful island. 

Within the pagoda, you’ll discover several awe-inspiring shrines. Each displays beautiful statues and precious relics, representing Vietnam’s deep-rooted Buddhist traditions. 

You’ll surely marvel at the striking 15-meter-tall Bodhi tree, which holds great significance here. It’s a direct descendant of the original tree (the one in India) under which Buddha attained enlightenment. A touch of sacredness right in Hanoi!

Address: 46 Đ. Thanh Niên, Trúc Bạch, Tây Hồ, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Quan Thanh Temple

Quan Thanh Temple, an old Taoist spot, sits in Hanoi’s busy center. This 11th-century wonder will take you back to simpler, more magical times. 

Full of cool carvings, this temple celebrates Tran Vu, a god whose symbols of power were the tortoise and snake. When you gaze at the huge bronze figure, you won’t hold back from appreciating the work behind it – it’s super heavy – standing at four tons!

If you admire old buildings, the mix of Vietnamese and Chinese styles in this temple will catch your eye. 

Stroll through the peaceful courtyard, soaking up the serene vibe. Away from the city’s noise, find your zen moment here.

Address: Đ. Thanh Niên, Quán Thánh, Ba Đình, Hà Nội 118810, Vietnam

Lotte Observation Deck

Nestled atop the 65th floor of Lotte Center, this gem offers breathtaking 360-degree views of our vibrant city. Marvel at Hanoi’s impressive cityscape, a blend of ancient structures and modern skyscrapers, from this sky-high vantage point.

As you step onto the deck, the first thing that’ll make you gasp is the sheer vastness of the panoramic scenery. Appreciate iconic landmarks like Hoan Kiem Lake, Long Bien Bridge, and the Red River snaking through the city.

The deck’s glass Skywalk, which seems to float above the bustling streets, provides a fantastic backdrop for envy-inducing selfies. Dare to conquer your fear of heights while capturing memories that’ll last a lifetime.

This deck’s sky telescope allows you to admire Hanoi’s starry skies. Gaze upon the moon’s craters, constellations, and even spot a few planets while you’re at it. This celestial experience truly sets Lotte Observation Deck apart.

And don’t worry about crowds. The Observation Deck spans an expansive area, ensuring ample space for visitors.

Address: 2RJ6+VX4, VN Hanoi 바딘 Liễu Giai st. cong viesrd, Ba Đình, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Phu Tay Ho Temple

Phu Tay Ho Temple holds a special spot in Hanoi’s heart – sitting gracefully on West Lake’s shores, it’s an enchanting spiritual sanctuary. 

This captivating temple honors Mother Goddess Lieu Hanh – locals revere her, hoping to receive blessings of prosperity and harmony. 

You’ll enjoy this temple’s striking architecture as its ornate carvings, vibrant colors, and elegant pagoda roofs exude charm.

Inside, find mesmerizing altars adorned with gold and intricate woodwork. Offerings of fruits, flowers, and incense create a sense of reverence. Witness devout worshipers praying for divine intervention.

During special occasions, the temple buzzes with lively festivities. Traditional ceremonies, music performances, and dance routines showcase Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage. You’ll also find delectable treats like banh tom and pho cuon nearby – don’t miss out~

And while at Phu Tay Ho, try your luck with fortune-telling sticks. Shake the container, let one fall out, and decipher your destiny. Who knows, maybe you’ll receive promising news for your future!

Address: 52 P. Đặng Thai Mai, Quảng An, Tây Hồ, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Day 4: Hanoi’s Suburban Areas and Museums

Dedicate your 4th day in Hanoi to local crafts and simple lifestyles. Here’s how you can plan your last day in Hanoi before saying goodbye to this full-of-life city:

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Vietnam’s culture is truly marvelous, and you’ll experience its full glory at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. 

This extraordinary research hub and exhibition space showcases Vietnamese ethnic diversity in a compelling way.

Since this museum is in the well-developed Cau Giay District, you can easily reach it via taxi or bus. Once there, you’ll love the stunning architecture, combining traditional and contemporary elements. 

The museum has two primary sections: indoor and outdoor exhibits. Indoors, you’ll find thousands of captivating artifacts, photographs, and multimedia presentations. These displays represent 54 ethnic groups from across Vietnam, each with unique customs and traditions.

You’ll discover intricate textiles, ceremonial costumes, traditional musical instruments, and more. This amazing collection offers a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage. It’s like traveling through time and space, without leaving Hanoi.

Step outside to explore the open-air exhibit, where you’ll encounter life-size replicas of traditional Vietnamese homes. Built using authentic materials and techniques, these structures provide a deeper understanding of how various communities lived harmoniously with nature.

Fancy some hands-on learning? Participate in interactive workshops on bamboo weaving, pottery, or paper-making. These activities immerse you in the local culture, making your trip even more memorable.

Address: : Đ. Nguyễn Văn Huyên, Quan Hoa, Cầu Giấy, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam

Bat Trang Ceramic Village

Another laid-back, no-rush location you can visit in Hanoi is the incredible Bat Trang ceramic village. Bat Trang boasts a rich history spanning seven centuries since it’s nestled along the Red River banks. 

This village offers exquisite, high-quality pieces crafted by local artisans. Their skills? Unparalleled!

Here you can wander through alleys, soak up the atmosphere, and admire the intricate craftsmanship at every turn. 

Also, while we’re at it, why don’t you get hands-on with a pottery workshop? Create a masterpiece guided by friendly experts, and take it back home as a souvenir. 

Don’t miss the bustling market in this ceramic village. From teapots to vases, there’s something for everyone. And the best part? Prices are affordable, so go ahead and splurge.

Address: Đ. Bát Tràng, Chợ Gốm, Gia Lâm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam

Duong Lam Ancient Village

Duong Lam Ancient Village boasts 300-year-old houses, pagodas, and communal halls, so you’ll get to learn how ancient Asians used to live. 

As you stroll through narrow lanes, you’ll observe well-preserved architecture, reflecting Vietnam’s traditional beauty and feel transported back in time, savoring the serene atmosphere of a bygone era.

Then head to Mia and Mong Phu temples to appreciate their centuries-old wood carvings. These sacred spaces provide a unique spiritual encounter, deepening your understanding of local beliefs.

These old-school Vietnamese homes, where families graciously welcome you, reflect stories of their ancestors. You’ll likely encounter warm-hearted locals eager to showcase their cherished customs and lifestyle.

Also, don’t miss the chance to purchase handmade souvenirs in Duong Lam, like woven straw hats or wooden utensils crafted by talented artisans!

Address: Đường Lâm, Sơn Tây, Hanoi, Vietnam

Van Phuc Silk Village

Van Phuc Silk Village, a must-see Hanoi destination, oozes charm and history. Located 10 km from Hanoi, it’s a stress-free trip for your last day here.

For centuries, this ancient village has been Vietnam’s silk hub. Weaving expertise is passed down through generations, preserving unique skills.

When you walk across alleys, your eyes will admire artisans’ craftsmanship and witness traditional silk-making techniques.

Expect to find beautiful garments, scarves, ties, and home décor and spend some VNDs here. Since each silk piece showcases creativity, time, and dedication, you won’t feel like missing out on them.

Discover the local legend of Tam Tang, a beautiful fairy who taught villagers silk-weaving; this tale will add magic to your experience!

Address: 69 Đường Vạn Phúc, Vạn Phúc, Hà Đông, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Thang Long Imperial Citadel

Once Hanoi’s Flag Tower, UNESCO World Heritage Site now treats you to breathtaking panoramic views of Ba Dinh Square and the bustling city center. Climb up and watch life unfold below!

You’ll also find ancient relics from centuries past, as this historical gem served as Vietnam’s political nucleus for over 1,300 years. Talk about a time capsule!

This Citadel’s serene gardens and restored buildings, including palaces, temples, and barracks, feel like parts of a painting. Each step reveals the country’s rich cultural tapestry.

Another thing to intrigue you here is the archaeological dig site, where archaeologists unearthed artifacts dating back to the 7th century. Ready to step into a real-life Indiana Jones movie? Add Thang Long to your Hanoi itinerary.

Address: 19C Hoàng Diệu, Điện Biên, Ba Đình, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam

Rounding Up  4 Day Hanoi Itinerary

Phew – quite a journey, right? That’s exactly what you can feel on your trip to Hanoi where ancient cultures and modern-day living present the perfect balance.

After four days of discovering the many wonders and delectable delights that Hanoi has to offer, you’re sure to have made magical memories to last a lifetime.

You experienced it all: the breathtaking beauty of Hoàn Kiếm lake, the wind-swept temple towers, the vibrant streets and alleys, and most importantly, the unforgettable flavors of classic Vietnamese cuisine that still linger in your mind. 

Before you head off on your next adventure into the unknown, take one last look and remember this city for all its glory – Hanoi will be awaiting your return!

The post 4 Day Hanoi Itinerary to Make The Most Of Your Tour  appeared first on Outside Nomad How To Travel .

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Feedback Please on 17 Day Vietnam/Laos Itinerary - Vietnam Forum

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Day 1 - 3 Hanoi ( Old Quarter , HCM Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, Train Street , cyclo ride Hoan Kiem Lake, puppet show, Duong Lam, Tay Ho). Apricot Hotel or Sofitel.

Day 4 - 5 Sapa (Rice Terraces hike w/local guide, local villages) Topas Eco Lodge

Day 6 - 8 Luang Prabang (Royal Palace, Orange Robe Tours, Mt. Phousi, night market, Elephant Conservation Center [1 day], Kuang Si, Free the Bears)

Day 9 - 11 Ha Long Bay (2 night Dragon Legend Junkboat)

Day 12 - 13 Hue (Hue's Citadel, Forbidden Purple City, Perfume River, lantern festival) Azerai La Residence

Day 14 - 15 Hoi An (old town, covered bridge, lanterns, tailor-made clothing, cooking class) Anantara Hoi An Resort

Day 16 -18 Ho Chi Minh City (Ben Thanh, CuChi Tunnels, Saigon River cruise) Au Lac Charner

1) Any thoughts on doing this trip North to South or South to North?

2) Hanoi to Sapa - Private car , Luxury train, or fly?

3) Is there a junk boat cruise that goes from Ha Long Bay to Hue?

4) One of the bigger challenges is arranging transportation between airports and hotels and identifying tour guides. Not sure yet whether to engage a travel agent.

Thanks for your input!

21 replies to this topic

"what would you recommend in the month of February?"

Laos is one of my dry season projects. I go in February-March and generally stay for one month.

Have made 6 or 7 trips there.

You can trek in Luang Prabang Province or if you want travel further (time consuming) you can trek in some very remote areas and sleep in very traditional villages.

You could easily spend 17-days just in Northern Laos.

Also, suggest you use the Flight Connections and or Skyscanner website to figure out potential air routes.

Take care 🙂

Thanks for all of the great feedback. It's likely we'll fly over from the States on Thursday, Feb 6 arriving Friday, Feb 7. It's going to roughly be a 17 day trip. Given that, and given some of the cooler weather in the north,

2) We were thinking of a two night Ha Long Bay junkboat trip. Given the weather, should we make that 1 night?

3) As many of you have pointed out, the Feb weather in Sapa is not great. We had two days put aside for that, and while it's only two days, given a trip that is:

HCMC 3 days

Hoi An 2 days

Hanoi 3 days

Ha Long Bay 3 days (2 nights)

Sapa 2 days

Luang Prabang 3 days

That's 18 days on paper but there will likely be some half days

If we passed on Sapa, where would you add those days?

If you think we should cut Ha Long Bay from 3 days to 2 days, where would add that day?

"We were thinking of a two night Ha Long Bay junk boat trip. Given the weather, should we make that 1 night?"

Speaking of weather, are you aware that it may be misty/ foggy @ HB at that time of year? For how long or how thick? It varies. Maybe take a look at some HB Feb pics online for a visual.

Does the itinerary(s) of the boat(s) your are considering seem like a good use of your days/time?

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g293923-i9984-k14698025-Halong_bay_1_vs_2_vs_3_day_cruise-Halong_Bay_Quang_Ninh_Province.html#120367187

"If you think we should cut Ha Long Bay from 3 days to 2 days, where would add that day?"

"If we passed on Sapa , where would you add those days?"

and it was fogged in every morning .If i was to do it over i would skip Sapa, but for a first timer it is impressive, the terraces and the north of Vietnam is stunning if nature lets you enjoy it

I would still travel North to South though then you get your warm weather at the end of the trip so when you return home you wish you were still in Vietnam lol i would add those days to Luang Prabang in Laos, if you have your heart set on Laos. I have been doing a lot of research on Laos over the last week and Luang Prabang deserves 5 days but then so does Hanoi in my opinion, but with having to leave the country to go to Laos i would spend it there

Laos for what i have read is way less touristy, with the exception of Luang Prabang lol

but the scenery in the north is supposed to be spectacular and after riding the trail over 14 days it should be just what the doctor ordered

"That's 18 days on paper but there will likely be some half days"

I really prefer to work in nights in each place, then you know exactly how many full days you have at each destination.

If you think we should cut Ha Long Bay from 3 days to 2 days, where would add that day?"

I'd be adding those new found days to what you already have, and trying to achieve at least two full days in each. Which means three nights.

Having said that, even with cutting down to six destinations, that is a massive amount of moving around.

Cut down your cruise to 1 night. You're gonna need that extra day. add it to Hanoi

You might also consider your entry/exit point of LP to/from the U.S... .That's gonna be a loooong flight .

i would consider weather per location, along with a border crossing, as determining factors, on where you can narrow things down.

As Scott mentioned, it's generally easier to plan by nights versus days.

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